Space

DATE=02/01/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SPACE SHUTTLE (S-3rd UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-2991110 (CQ)

BYLINE=DAVID McALARY

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: The U-S Agency NASA has suspended future shuttle flights until it knows what caused the loss of the shuttle Columbia as it returned from a 16-day research mission Saturday. David McAlary reports that Columbia broke up over Texas minutes before it was to land in Florida.

TEXT: Seven astronauts, including the first from Israel, went down to their deaths in the shuttle Columbia over Texas. Videotapes from a Dallas television station show it falling to Earth in several pieces.

Shuttle officials say the first indication of a problem was the loss of readings of tire pressure and temperature and wing temperature on the orbiter's left side. Then they lost all contact minutes later.

NASA is sending technicians to Texas to search for shuttle debris with help from national, state, and local emergency agencies. NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe has established both an internal and independent external review board to investigate the cause of the disaster.

/// O'KEEFE ACT ///

This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts, and likewise tragic for the nation.

/// END ACT ///

The next shuttle flight was due to exchange the international space station crew in March, but NASA has suspended shuttle flights as the investigation proceeds. (SIGNED)

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