This is different. In 1986 we were all innocent, thinking we were invincible. Now we know things like this could happen. You always take a risk when you try to do things humans aren’t supposed to do.
Inevitable comparisons will be made to Challenger. There will be conspiracy theorists who will want to believe it was terrorist related. Terrorists aren’t that sophisticated. They couldn’t plant a bomb or something on board which would automatically blow up on re-entry. More likely they would have tried something on lift-off rather than re-entry.
What will this mean to the space program? We’ll have to continue to provide re-supply missions to the space station….or find a way to get them down.
It will definitely mean a setback for the American people. The economy is terrible, terrorism is a real threat….and now this.
Keep praying for America.