Originally posted by Wthermans:
B-52s don't experience the speed, heat, and space particles that shuttles do. Like I said, no matter how much upkeep and upgrades the vehicles receive, nothing can make up for 20+ years of that kind of stress. Not to mention Columbia was our first space shuttle. I believe it was first made in '79.



Originally posted by JaTo:
FYI, Columbia just finished a 2-year electronic and structural upgrade to it before this launch, if I've read the report correctly.



I have my doubts as well, but I'll let engineers at NASA make that call.

JaTo e-Tough Guy Missouri City, TX 99 Contour SVT #143/2760 00 Corvette Coupe