Minor accident damages foam on STS external tank

[Cylinder]

NASA probes damage to fuel tank

NASA is investigating another mishap at the Kennedy Space Center, this time an accident involving the remodeled fuel tank to be used for the next shuttle mission, the agency said on Wednesday.

Technicians were replacing a vent valve near the top of the 154-foot (47-meter) tall tank on Tuesday when a Halogen work lamp fell and hit the tank's foam insulation.

Preliminary inspections show the impact left five small indentations, with the largest about the size of a stick of gum, and one 6-inch (15-centimeter) to 7-inch (17-centimeter) long scratch, said Marion LaNasa, spokesman for tank manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp.

A detailed inspection of the area was under way, LaNasa said, but the incident was not expected to affect the shuttle's targeted July 1 liftoff.

[Nicolas]

If anything that went remotely wrong in any company would make a press release...

[Cylinder]

If anything that went remotely wrong in any company would make a press release...

I see your point - with a small caveat. Since NASA is still trying to come to terms with the behavior of the MET's foam insulation during launch, this minor incident does have some legitimate implications.

[Nicolas]

Yes I know. And it's allright* as long as people don't start to think "what a clumsy idiots work at NASA". As if other companies never have (huge) accidents .


*I do see the reason this makes the news, given the foam issues and vent replacement issues they've been having.

[NEOWatcher]

Yes I know. And it's allright* as long as people don't start to think "what a clumsy idiots work at NASA". As if other companies never have (huge) accidents .

Makes you start wondering if there's a saboteur on staff. I think there are a few on BAUT that are suspect

Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know before the press release... My boss spilled a pot of coffee.

*All in fun and parody.