Abstract :
The space shuttle Columbia has a problem: During launch, foam from the external tank breaks off, strikes the orbiter¿s wing, and damages the heat shield. Because the crew members don¿t know how the problem will affect reentry, they evacuate to the International Space Station and place Columbia on autopilot, which guides the shuttle to a near-perfect landing. NASA engineers then spend months testing the shuttle during fully automated flights. Crewed flights resume only after the problem has been
