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Gravity of Discovery debris

After reviewing video and images taken by a few of 100-plus cameras, engineers believe the foam that came off during Discovery’s liftoff was 24 to 33 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide, and between 2 and 8 inches thick — only somewhat smaller than the chunk that smashed into Columbia’s left wing during liftoff in 2003.

"You have to admit when you’re wrong. We were wrong," shuttle program manager Bill Parsons said. "We need to do some work here, and so we’re telling you right now that the ... foam should not have come off. It came off. We’ve got to go do something about that."

In addition to the chunk of foam, several smaller pieces broke off, including at least one from an area of the fuel tank that had been modified after Columbia. Thermal tile was also damaged on Discovery’s belly; one tile lost a 1 1/2 -inch piece next to the set of doors for the nose landing gear, a vulnerable spot.

Wayne Hale, Parsons’ deputy, said none of the tile damage looked particularly serious, and likely would not require repairs in orbit.

Imagery experts and engineers expect to know today whether the gouge left by the missing piece of tile needs a second look.

The tile fragment broke off less than two minutes after liftoff Tuesday and was spotted by a camera mounted on the external fuel tank.

posted by: kyawoo at 05:09 | link | comments |
space shuttle

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