Some asked DoD to use satellites to see the damage. Linda Ham declined the request.

"The imagery request was soon rescinded by NASA Mission Management Team Chair Linda Ham after she investigated the origin of it. She had consulted with Flight Director Phil Engelauf and members of the Mission Management Team, who stated that they did not have a requirement for imagery of Columbia. Ham did not consult with the Debris Assessment Team, and cancelled the imagery request on the basis that it had not been made through official channels." https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Columbia_disas...