One of the contingencies space experts have considered is what would happen if a spacecraft suffered so much irreparable damage that it would almost certainly disintegrate, like the Columbia, upon return from orbit. Thus, for example, a shuttle crew could theoretically be in space for three weeks or longer knowing-and the public knowing as well-that they were doomed when, at the last possible moment, their craft would have no choice but to return to Earth.

This spine-tingling scenario became more real as experts debated what could have possibly been done to rescue the seven astronauts onboard Columbia if, for example, NASA had determined from telescopic examination that the orbiter's wing was too damaged for a safe reentry. What options did NASA have to retrieve the crew? Unfortunately, not many. Surprisingly, after the first nine...