Reply #18: They should send the shuttle back with a minimum crew [View All]

[daleo]

Empty and piloted from earth if possible. Even if they fix this problem, it seems to me it might be difficult to be sure that the process of repair didn't cause further damage.

Hacking away at some protruding carbon fiber while in a bulky spacesuit, suspended on a robotic arm, will be tricky, at best. At worst, they might actually smash a few tiles. They should take the Russians up on their offer.

But that would make Bush look weak, so it won't happen. If there is a disaster, the media will be in full CYA mode for Bush.