NASA to release transcripts of managers dismissing fateful Columbia foam s

CAPE CANAVERAL — The managers running Columbia’s final flight were so sure the shuttle would return home safely that they never discussed the need for spy satellite photographs, spacewalking inspections or a rescue mission during five critical meetings while the ship was in space.

Transcripts and audio recordings of the Mission Management Team meetings, which NASA said will be released Tuesday, show a foam debris strike during launch generated on issues the managers talked about.

snip

The absence of any discussion about getting spy satellite photos of heat shield damage is significant. Shuttle engineers in Texas and Florida both pushed to get such pictures, saying they needed better images to more accurately assess the severity of the damage to Columbia’s left wing

snip

Columbia accident investigators also are questioning the presence and availability of key shuttle program leaders during the mission. Two senior managers were out of town during parts of the flight.

http://www.floridatoday.com/columbia/072203transcripts.htm

they didn't feel the need to effect a real investigation.

This makes me sad.