Washington, July 31: NASA needs high-resolution pictures of the external fuel tanks that boost shuttles into orbit, and these images should be taken during any future launch and ascent, investigators probing the Columbia disaster said on Wednesday.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board said these sharp images, made available to ground controllers soon after the external tank separates from the orbiter after launch, would help engineers troubleshoot any problems during shuttle missions.

"Imaging the space shuttle system during launch and ascent provides necessary engineering data including the ability to examine the space shuttle system for any unexpected debris or other anomalies during ascent," the board said on its Web site, www.caib.us.
The board has said previously that debris falling from the external tank during Columbia's launch damaged the leading edge of the spacecraft's left wing. This allowed superheated gas to penetrate the ship when it re-entered the atmosphere and ultimately caused its breakup over Texas on Feb. 1. All seven astronauts were killed.

The three other space shuttles have been grounded since then, while the investigators put together a final report on the accident. This report is expected at the end of August. Bureau Report