"Originally, the ET was covered with a layer of white protective paint, however after the first two test flights this largely cosmetic cover was abandoned to save weight. During the sixth flight of the program, which was also an inaugural mission of Space Shuttle Challenger, a new lightweight version of the tank was introduced."
Yeah, and I remember a NASA guy bragging about in-orbit tile repair kits, after a bunch of tiles fell off.
Provisioning of that kit was abandoned to save weight.
But plenty of weight allowances and space available to over-staff culturally marxist crews,
selected politicians, etc.
So much for safety.
At least NASA abandoned the "Journalist in Space" idea.