[Thebaddog]

Is it true that NASA didn't change the foam at all for this launch? What on earth is different about this shuttle flight than the one that failed?

[nsmart]

I'm not rocket scientist, hee hee, but to my knowledge they only put more cameras on it so the astronauts would know they were in deep doo doo.

[Cboldt]

Is it true that NASA didn't change the foam at all for this launch? What on earth is different about this shuttle flight than the one that failed?

NASA made lots of changes, including eliminating foam from some areas where foam separation would be particulalry risky to the shuttle.

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/112301main_114_pk_july05.pdf <- 8.9 Mb "Press Kit"

The above URL contains a very good summary of the changes to the external tank and other aspects of the mission, most of which is aimed at improving safety. There were LOTS of changes, but a return to the old "sticking" foam was not one of them.

[skinkinthegrass]

Is it true that NASA didn't change the foam at all for this launch? What on earth is different about this shuttle flight than the one that failed?

YES. ..On this flight, they applied the "Freon-Free" Crap w/ "more" care.