Space Forum / Shuttle / August 2005

I've seen lots of low-resolution picture of Steve Robinson on the end of the
arm approaching the Shuttle.  I've been trying to find a hi-res version but so
far no luck.  Anyone seen one?
Thanks in advance,

Does anyone know if the ET foam is open or closed cell?
If open, then penetration by air and condensation within the
foam with consequent expansion during flight would seem
to facilitate popcorning.

How I see it, foam from the external tank is tearing off because tank
vibrates (jerks) during its lift-off. These jerks produce shake-off
("bathing birds") effect. In addition,   small packets of high-low
air pressure are created around a tank. As a result, we have tearing

Where are the STS-114 landing tracks?

I saw this link on Slashdot.  Why should they have all the fun?  The
STS-114 video is different than what we've seen so far from the ET
camera.  I wonder why?  This is the outfit that built the camera, from
what I can tell, so you'd think they would have the _best_ video

I am researching this out of interested and wanted to determine if it
was possible to redesign the External Tank such that it doesn't need
the foam that is currently causing all the issues.
I understand that the foam is needed to offset the extreme difference

If I've understood, insulating foam cracks because of the vibrations
during takeoff. It could be a solution to drown a nylon grid in the
foam, just like metal grids are used to reinforce concrete, or nylon
grids are used in bullet proof glasses? This would not avoid cracks,

How much would reuse REALLY save?
Imagine the Enterprise permanetely stacked as a display on  39 with a
Apollo mockup stacked on the other pad, recreating the look of apollo.
both nicely enclosed inside large plexiglass bubbles.

Does anyone here know what brand cameras and computers are being used by the
shuttle and space station?

Observers at certain latitudes have the opportunity to see Discovery and ISS
in close formation, after they un-dock early Saturday, 2005 Aug 6, at 07:22
UTC (3:22 AM EDT).
Observers between roughly 10 N and 40 N latitude, will have morning

I was going to ask if anyone knows if nasa can use  the Enterprise to
build a replacement for Columbia?

Does any one  kno

My question may have been answered or discussed, but has there been a NASA
examination as to why Kevlar for lack of a better term, fishnet, be placed
as a sort of 'rebar' to help hold the foam insulation?  I am thinking in
terms of one or two layer of a fishnet made of Kevlar thread ...

Yeah, there's a lot of talk these days about how terrible the space
shuttle is. While I can understand that view, I'm curious as what
positive aspects have come from the shuttle program. Has it advanced
specific technologies or knowledge of space flight? What lessons

Neil Armstrong, 75 today.