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Columbia breaks up

At 0859 (1359 GMT) Mission control contacts the crew. After a short delay the shuttle comes back: "Roger…erm". The line is lost.

At 207,000 ft flying at a speed of Mach 18 over the skies of Texas, Columbia breaks up. Witnesses shows a bright light followed by a white plume of smoke. Debris falls in a vast plume over Texas and neighbouring states.


In Pictures:

	Columbia breaks up At 0859 (1359 GMT) Mission control contacts the crew. After a short delay the shuttle comes back: "Roger…erm". The line is lost. At 207,000 ft flying at a speed of Mach 18 over the skies of Texas, Columbia breaks up. Witnesses shows a bright light followed by a white plume of smoke. Debris falls in a vast plume over Texas and neighbouring states.