JIM SCIUTTO, CNN HOST: Welcome back to the LEAD. I'm Jim Sciutto, in today for Jake Tapper. U.S. intelligence is bolstering its case that a surface-to-air missile shot from an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia rebels blew Malaysia airlines flight 17 out of the sky. A U.S. official tells CNN that satellites show three different events on Thursday with distinct infrared signature. The first is said to be a launched and vertical ascent of the missile believed to be an SA-11 which is also known as the Russian Buk. You probably heard so much about. Model is shown here in final video. The next infrared signature came from mid-air and secondary explosions in the sky. This is as the plane was hit. The third and final signature was the plane hitting the ground. OK, but what about actual physical evidence, something from the wreckage that points to this missile strike? It's telling that the first real analysis of the wreckage we've seen comes not from the U.S. or crash site investigators but through photos captured by "The New York Times." See these holes punched in the wreckage about the size of a dime or a quarter? CNN has spoken to an analyst, a defense consultant IHS Jane's who says that the war head on an SA-11 missile would fragment just like this. The BUK, this expert says, is not actually designed to impact a target. It explodes some 50 to 100 feet near or in front of the target, meant showers. It was shrapnel which brings that target down. A passenger plane is thin skinned and it wouldn't take much force to pierce it. The expert we spoke was says there would still probably be residue from the missile on these pieces of wrecking and to test for, though pro-Russian rebels as you know, as we reported have limited access to the scene. But a very important clue there. When we come back, they've been told there were no survivors. But they believe their daughter who was on board flight 17 could still be alive. Next, I'll speak with two devastated parents about the signs they say still give them hope.
U.S. Intelligence Bolsters Case That Surface-To-Air Missile Was Shot From Eastern Ukraine