Foam Does Seem to Be the Culprit in the Columbia Disaster

Investigators said today that they believe chunks of foam have torn off shuttle fuel tanks in the past, and that this is still the mostly likely cause of the destruction of Columbia. By analyzing launch videos, the investigators found instances in six previous flights where foam peeled off the tanks and struck the shuttle. The group?s final report is expected to be delivered later this summer, and is expected to include recommendations for NASA?s management practices, safety programs and culture.