Terrorists not suspected in shuttle mystery

The White House has said there is no indication there was any terrorist involvement as the space shuttle appears to have been lost as it returned to Earth.

Security had been tight for the 16-day scientific research mission because of the presence of Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut.

Ramon, a colonel in Israel’s air force and former fighter pilot, became the first man from his country to fly in space, and his presence resulted in an increase in security, not only for Columbia’s launch, but also for its planned landing.

Space agency officials feared his presence might make the shuttle more of a terrorist target.