[XBob]

4383 - The main landing gear door is where the foam/ice hit. But the real problem was the foam on the external tank, and my post at 4303 covers it fairly well.

There is no way to make the shuttle more safe unless they solve the problem of the foam on the ET.

Take a look at the article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/835531/posts?page=4303#4303

[Cold Heat]

I think now, and have always thought that the shuttle could have flown almost immediately, as the heavy tanks were part of the problem. they were just trying to use up the "old inventory".

The new ultralight tanks and some modifications on the formed ramps would eliminate this particular problem from happening again.

It is that simple!

Of course, other changes to the insulating foam package could have been done over a period of months and years while the shuttle still flew.

The likelihood of a totally different problem causing a loss of craft is actually much better than a repeat of the foam problem experienced in this incident.IMO

just my two pennies worth.