From: ABlainey@aol.com
Date: Sun Feb 02 2003 - 18:46:27 MST
In a message dated 02/02/03 21:05:24 GMT Standard Time, mlorrey@yahoo.com
writes:
<snip>
> That being said, I am actually impressed that an aircraft that flies in
> such extreme performance regimes has lasted that long. It seems from
> initial evidence that it only failed due to something falling off the
> main fuel tank striking the left wing and damaging its heat tiling.
>
I am completely amazed at the longevity of the shuttles. They are tough old
birds for sure.
> I sincerely hope that NASA and our government takes this opportunity to
> develop not just newer shuttles, but their outright replacement. A
> shuttle loss from skin damage due to things falling off the fuel tank
> has been a real threat. This isn't the first time some damage has
> occured, either, there have been several instances where ice falling
> off the tank has struck the shuttle and caused some damage, though
> never enough to cause a burnthrough like this.
>
We are now in the position where two catastrophic failures have resulted from
issues with the main external tank (If the latest theory is true)
If I were in front of a drawing board at NASA right now, I would be busily
sketching out new tank designs or better yet, some new launch systems.
Despite the age and extreme conditions that shuttles undertake. They have
faired pretty well over the years with few actual shuttle failures.
this shows something for safety and reliability of the reusable vehicle basic
concept.
I must admit that the heat tiles on the exterior have always made me laugh.
The idea of taking a foot cubed block of the material and machining it down
to an individual tile, That can only be positioned in one place is almost
ridiculous. It would be more cost effective and quicker to manufacture the
entire underbelly from one block. The logistics of getting thousands of tiles
manufactured and fitted is incredible. Even keeping tabs on the masters used
for the machining process must be a major headache.
What about a spray on solution?
Alex
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