Shuttle Tragedy

Simulated launch, real death

NASA officials had one word for the simulated launch of the space shuttle at Cape Canaveral last week: "Super!" Then disaster struck. For reasons yet to be explained, five Rockwell International technicians removed an access panel and entered a rear section of the orbiter above the engine. A few minutes later, they began keeling over from lack of oxygen. One technician, John Bjornstad, 50, died in a helicopter en route to a hospital, and another, Forrest Cole, was in critical condition.

The reason for the mishap may not be known until NASA and Rockwell officials complete their separate investigations....