[mrb1960]

My one question is this: If it was ice that hit the wing, then why in the world was it launched in the first place?

I would think after the Challenger disaster, which resulted from cold temps and a bad seal, people would be looking at the effects of cold temperatures and ice build up during a launch. WOULD YOU TAKE OFF IN A 747 IF THERE WAS ICE ON THE WINGS???

[Boundless]

> I would think after the Challenger disaster,
> which resulted from cold temps and a bad seal,
> people would be looking at the effects of cold
> temperatures and ice build up during a launch.

If it was ice, it wasn't likely due to cold weather.

The external tank is fueled with liquid oxygen and
liquid hyrodgen, both of which are extremely cold.

Feedlines, exposed surfaces and insufficiently
insulated surfaces collect moisture frozen out
of thin air. They can gather ice even in mid-July
(might even be more likely due to high humidity).

I suppose it's even possible that ice could form
under insufficiently-bonded insulation, or even
inside insulation that isn't airtight.

I'm presuming that ice scenarios are being studied,
if not by NASA, then by the intrepid investigators
here at FR.