New Trouble for Shuttle - CRACKED Foam!

[Panopticon]

News conference scheduled for 1230 EDT according to MSNBC.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13666974/


Doesn't look good for a launch in the immediate future.

[$tevie]

For the life of me, I can't understand why at this point anyone would be willing to go up in one of those things.

[Panopticon]

[quote $tevie]For the life of me, I can't understand why at this point anyone would be willing to go up in one of those things.
Great food and the in-flight movies? Sure as hell ain't the pay!

[spearmint]

Brave people want to go up in Space.

[AllGold]

For the life of me, I can't understand why the fuel tank is coated with what's essentially glorified spray on insulation. If it can fall off and damage the shuttle's heat shield then the exterior of the fuel tank needs to be more durable.

[pRON aHOLIC]

They just got the greenlight to go.

[Panopticon]

[quote AllGold]For the life of me, I can't understand why the fuel tank is coated with what's essentially glorified spray on insulation. If it can fall off and damage the shuttle's heat shield then the exterior of the fuel tank needs to be more durable.
Actually, the problem is the shuttle itself, It's covered with, essentially, 'Corningware' glass tiles. A very fragile ceramic material.
Until a better material is discovered/invented that can replace it, the shuttle will continue to have this problem.

The tank is insulated to prevent ice build-up, which could fly off and do even more damage. The foam layer is apparently the best solution to date which meets the weight restrictions.

This photo of a shuttle model illustrates the tile 'skin'.

[$tevie]

As if it isn't nerve-wracking enough, now Mr. Hand shows up. Next thing you know Sluggo will be along. I'd definitely have to pass on that trip.