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NASA wrestles with shuttle debris threat since early flights
NASA records show debris hits on shuttle thermal tiles since 1981. Early foam insulation shed from the external tank caused tile damage and led to venting and shaving procedures. Fifteen missions through 2002 recorded significant tile strikes, with Atlantis suffering 272 hits on one flight and Columbia’s catastrophe prompting renewed safety reviews.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
NASA
Columbia
Space Agency
Atlantis
Robert Dotis