[Publius6961]

Using the test article experiment model, engineers should fire at the same velocity an estimated mass of ET insulation

I keep seeing this simplistic (senseless) statement repeated by bowling balls.
It's getting irritating.

The test should allow for air density at the altitude the event happened, and the acceleration for the distance the object traveled, beginning at the initial relative velocity between the two objects (zero) and at the end (some modest amount).

In other words, the foam could not have hit at a relative velocity of "several thousand" miles per hour...
It didn't have that much distance through which to accelerate.

[Cold Heat]

It didn't have that much distance through which to accelerate.

LOL! we are well aware of that. Our estimates are between 225-325 MPH.

The testing was mentioned to verify tile displacement or damages at a variety of angles and speed to prove the foam theory.

Nothing more, and yes, the information would be somewhat useless, but it would indicate cause and effect in a real environment, not the theoretical one.

The cost of doing this may be prohibitive, but it is worth looking into.

The main problem is to prevent the debris from shedding off the tank. For the answer I suggest hanging a environmentalist for good measure.

[Thud]

The foam was deaccelerating due to air resistance while the shuttle was accelerating under rocket thrust.

[bonesmccoy]

Sir,

While I respect the intent to eliminate other variables from the test scenario, the variables you discuss should not alter the colorimetric observations (which are the crux of my comments).

Atmospheric properties may alter the trajectory of material. I have already dealt with the issue of relative velocity and angle of incidence in other postings.

My conclusion remains the most plausible hypothesis. It was not foam that impacted the LH Wing structure. It is ice from a failed ET insulation layer (due to lack of freon in the ET insulation mix, caused by BILL CLINTON's failed environmental agendas).

Thanks.