Shuttle: Outdated model led to 'no danger' judgement

A computer model that convinced Nasa the Columbia astronauts were in no danger from damage done to the shuttle by a piece of falling debris was outdated and lacked the right information, accident investigators said.

The analysis by Boeing engineers concluded little harm was done to Columbia’s left wing by a chunk of hardened foam that came off the fuel tank during lift-off. It was a crucial element in the belief by Nasa that the seven astronauts would return safely.