Woodpeckers damage STS-70 External Tank
On 6/2/95, NASA managers decided to delay the
launch of Discovery
on Mission STS-70 in order
to make repairs to foam insulation on
the vehicle's external fuel tank. Earlier, technicans at Launch
Pad 39-B discovered that woodpeckers had inflicted about six
dozen small holes in the insulation material.
Due to the critical role the insulation plays in the
ET thermal protection system during the Shuttle's
launch and
ascent,
and the tank's re-entry into the atmosphere, it was determined that
the damaged areas must be fixed prior to flight. After evaluating
the location and nature of the areas in question, it was determined
the repairs should be performed in the Vehicle Assembly Building
(VAB).
This is due to access and environmental concerns at the launch pad.
MPEG Movie of Woodpeckers(185K)
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