Columbia Recovery Office
NASA is still looking for and accepting debris. Even though NASA and their contractors are no longer in the field searching, we still are accepting debris items from the Space Shuttle Columbia. NASA has established a telephone hotline and e-mail address for the public to use for reporting information that may help recover as much of Columbia as possible and aid others studying the Space Shuttle mishap.
Anyone who discovers debris from the accident or who has film or video evidence that may be of value to NASA is urged to use these contacts. Please avoid direct contact with any debris, because it may be hazardous as a result of toxic propellants aboard the Shuttle.
Telephone reports should be directed to the following number: 321-861-5129
Reports and images can also be e-mailed to: michael.a.ciannilli@nasa.gov
All debris is U.S. Government property and it is critical that it be returned to NASA. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Ongoing Efforts
The Columbia Research & Preservation Office is also responsible for the Columbia Recovery Office duties/activities including:
- Management of calls via the 321-861-5129 number from the public. This number is located at Kennedy Space Center on the desk of Mike Ciannilli.
- Preservation of data for the Columbia Research and Preservation archives.
- Coordination with the public regarding debris reports.
- Identification of debris through a variety of methods.
- Communication with contacts as appropriate.
- Integration of debris into the Columbia Research & Preservation Room.
Related Links
- Columbia Shuttle Recovery Operations Map (April 1, 2003)
- Space Flight Operations Contingency Action Plan (CAP) (02-12-03)
The Contingency Action Plan outlines the pre-planned contingency response to a space flight mishap. View Acrobat PDF (39 Kb)
Recovery Photos
