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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

This is a moment to moment transcript of internal NASA communications when a potential problem has been discovered.

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This is a transcript of the MMACS loop with part of the FLIGHT loop transcribed as necessary to provide further clarification of what is occurring on the MMACS loop. MMACS is the lead position of the mechanical systems flight control team. MMACS reports status and failures in the mechanical systems, crew systems, inflight maintenance and photography and television systems to the Flight Director on the FLIGHT loop. MECH is the primary mechanical systems operator in the backroom.

The MECH job is to monitor mechanical systems and coordinate with the MMACS any data observations and corresponding real time problem resolution. The MECH II plays a support role to the MECH during periods of potentially high mechanical systems activity such as during ascent and entry. MMACS, MECH and MECH II do all of their internal coordination on the MMACS loop.

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Complete Transcript here: www.jsc.nasa.gov/news/columbia/107_emails/MMACS_transcript.xls

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

This incredible email from Ground Control to the Shuttle non-chalantly informs the crew that perhaps their wing has been damaged, but not to worry...it's been seen before!

_______________________________

CDR
NOTE: This is private/personal mail and not for release to media.

-----Original Message-----
From: STICH, J. S. (STEVE) (JSC-DA8) (NASA)
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 11:13 PM
To: CDR; PLT
Cc: BECK, KELLY B. (JSC-DA8) (NASA); ENGELAUF, PHILIP L. (JSC-DA8) (NASA); CAIN, LEROY E. (JSC-DA8) (NASA); HANLEY, JEFFREY M. (JEFF) (JSC-DA8) (NASA); AUSTIN, BRYAN P. (JSC-DA8) (NASA)
Subject: INFO: Possible PAO Event Question


Rick and Willie,

You guys are doing a fantastic job staying on the timeline and accomplishing great science. Keep up the good work and let us know if there is anything that we can do better from an MCC/POCC standpoint.

There is one item that I would like to make you aware of for the upcoming PAO event on Blue FD 10 and for future PAO events later in the mission. This item is not even worth mentioning other than wanting to make sure that you are not surprised by it in a question from a reporter.

During ascent at approximately 80 seconds, photo analysis shows that some debris from the area of the -Y ET Bipod Attach Point came loose and subsequently impacted the orbiter left wing, in the area of transition from Chine to Main Wing, creating a shower of smaller particles. The impact appears to be totally on the lower surface and no particles are seen to traverse over the upper surface of the wing. Experts have reviewed the high speed photography and there is no concern for RCC or tile damage. We have seen this same phenomenon on several other flights and there is absolutely no concern for entry.

That is all for now. It's a pleasure working with you every day.

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The complete note here: www.jsc.nasa.gov/news/columbia/107_emails/foamemails.doc

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Here is the direct link to the FOIA regarding the Columbia incident:

www.nasa.gov/columbia/foia/