Search For Shuttle Materials Continues 

Release Date: February 27, 2003
Release Number: 3171-40

» More Information on Texas Loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia
» More Information on Louisiana Loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia

Lufkin, TX -- The western and eastern most boundaries of confirmed Columbia Shuttle debris continues to be in an area from near Littlefield, Texas to the west and Fort Polk, Louisiana to the east, said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Officer Scott Wells.

"There are 155 20-person crews looking through the primary search area that includes a 10 mile wide by 240 mile long area that begins in Ellis County, south of Dallas and continues to Hemphill, Texas near Toledo Bend Reservoir. The extremely dedicated individuals who are walking in cold, wet weather conditions are important keys to the continued recovery of shuttle debris. These people are experts, the best of the best and have the confidence of everyone involved in the Shuttle recovery effort," said Wells.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) officials, indicated this week that a number of Shuttle tiles, and what appeared to be a panel from the lower portion of the right wing and a piece of the lower forward fuselage of Columbia had been recovered.

The heat resistant tile recovered near Littlefield, Texas, approximately 40 miles northwest of Lubbock recently, was analyzed by NASA officials at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and confirmed to be from Columbia.

Anyone who suspects that they may have discovered what may be Shuttle debris, along a line from San Francisco, California to Alexandria, Louisiana can call the toll-free material report line at 866-446-6603. Once this call has been initiated, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials will make arrangements to inspect the debris and take appropriate action. Operators are available between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week, to take debris material reports. Residents are reminded not to handle debris because it could be hazardous.

"Citizens who continue to call us with information about the location of possible debris are playing a critical part in helping NASA piece together evidence that enables us to understand what caused the break-up of Columbia. We appreciate all the help we have received and continue to ask farmers and ranchers to be watchful of possible debris," said Dom Gorie, NASA Astronaut. He encouraged farmers and ranchers to continue readying their fields and working their ranchers.

Last Modified: Monday, 14-Apr-2003 10:21:17