] Even as NASA engineers debated possible damage, a flight
] director e-mailed Columbia's astronauts to say there was
] "absolutely no concern" that breakaway foam that struck
] the space shuttle might endanger its safe return. The
] shuttle's commander cheerily replied, "Thanks a million!"
]
] Flight director J.S. "Steve" Stich conveyed his assurance
] to Columbia's commander and pilot on Jan. 23, according
] to documents disclosed Monday. At the time, engineers
] inside NASA continued to debate and study whether foam
] that smashed against Columbia's wing on liftoff might
] have fatally damaged materials protecting the shuttle
] during its fiery descent.
]
] Such materials included the wing's reinforced carbon
] panels and insulating tiles covering other parts of the
] spacecraft.
]
] "Experts have reviewed the high speed photography and
] there is no concern for RCC or tile damage," Stich wrote
] to Columbia's commander, Rick D. Husband, and pilot,
] William C. McCool. "We have seen the same phenomenon on
] several other flights and there is absolutely no concern
] for entry. That is all for now. It's a pleasure working
] with you every day."
]
] Husband, a veteran shuttle astronaut, replied two days
] later, on Jan. 25, "Thanks a million, Steve! And thanks
] for the great work on your part."

I'd no idea the crew was even told of the foam strike. Suffice it to say if ground control felt compelled to email video clips of the incident, the crew had to know SOMETHING was up - astronauts aren't exactly mentally challenged. Wouldn't have taken them very long to put 2 and 2 together.

Laughing Boy

E-mails: 'Absolutely no concern' over Columbia foam strike