MISSION CONTROL KNEW THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA WAS GOING TO BURN UP ON RE-ENTRY

AND NEVER TOLD THE CREW!

THOSE ON THE GROUND DECIDED

IT WAS BETTER THE CREW NOT BE TOLD OF THE RISK!

NASA say the Columbia crew were not told that the shuttle had been damaged and they would probably burn up on re-entry!

The seven astronauts who died will be remembered at a public memorial service on the 10th anniversary of the disaster today at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

The shuttle was headed home from a 16-day science mission when it broke apart over Texas on February 1, 2003, because of damage to its left wing.

Wayne Hale, who went on to become space shuttle program manager, says  'After one of the MMTs (Mission Management Team) when possible damage to the orbiter was discussed, he (Flight Director Jon Harpold) gave me his opinion: ''You know, there is nothing we can do about damage to the TPS (Thermal Protection System).'

'"If it has been damaged it's probably better not to know. I think the crew would rather not know. Don't you think it would be better for them to have a happy successful flight and die unexpectedly during entry than to stay on orbit, knowing that there was nothing to be done, until the air ran out?"'