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Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington        Feb. 26, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1979)

Fred Johnsen
Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif.
(Phone: 661/276-2998)

RELEASE: 03-079

NASA RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SEARCHES COLUMBIA'S PATH FOR DEBRIS

     A NASA high-altitude research aircraft flew over portions of the 
Space Shuttle Columbia's flight path Saturday. NASA's ER-2 used 
special cameras to search for debris that may have separated from 
Columbia as it returned to Earth Feb. 1. Columbia disintegrated over 
the western United States during its descent, and investigators are
collecting debris in an effort to determine the cause of the accident.

The ER-2 is similar to U.S. Air Force U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.  
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., operates a 
pair of ER-2s for earth and environmental science missions.

Saturday's seven-hour flight was flown at 40,000 feet over parts of 
western Texas. Imagery obtained during the flight is being studied to 
determine if it can show the location of Shuttle debris. To help 
searchers analyze the imagery, various samples of debris (not from 
Columbia) were placed on the ER-2's flight path for comparison 
purposes.

Anyone who finds material, suspected to be from the Shuttle, is urged 
to avoid contact, because it may be hazardous due to fuel residue. 
Report possible debris by calling, toll-free: 1-866/446-6603.

Shuttle material may not look like typical aircraft components. 
Pictures of examples of Shuttle debris may be viewed on the Internet 
at:

www.nasa.gov/columbia/COL_debris_pix.html

All debris is U.S. government property and may be critical to the 
investigation of the mishap. Debris from the accident should be left 
in place and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons 
found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full 
extent of the law.

Photos of the NASA ER-2 aircraft are available, in high resolution 
suitable for publication, in the Gallery section of the NASA Dryden 
Flight Research Center Web site at:       www.dfrc.nasa.gov  

Information about NASA and the Columbia Accident Investigation Board 
is available on the Internet at:           www.nasa.gov

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