What fate likely befell the seven crew members following the initial breakup of the orbiter cabin section?
Answer
Death by oxygen deprivation before impact
While the destruction of the orbiter was swift and complete at the 73-second mark, it is believed the crew cabin section separated relatively intact and continued briefly upward before plummeting. Because the crew members were not wearing pressure suits during this phase of flight, the rapid loss of cabin pressure following the structural failure likely rendered them unconscious within seconds. Death would have subsequently occurred due to oxygen deprivation before the cabin section ultimately impacted the Atlantic Ocean.
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