ALMOST two weeks after the space shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entry, the investigation into what caused the tragedy is gathering momentum. An independent panel has taken over the inquiry to determine why seven astronauts lost their lives, and NASA is making an extraordinary effort to keep the public up to date. But despite this diligence, the likelihood of reaching a definitive answer any time soon seems remote.
More and more evidence continues to surface, including potentially crucial pieces of the shuttle itself, such as a 60centimetre section of the left wing’s leading edge and a wheel-well door, and images…
