Shuttle Debris Impact Testing

Glenn engineers helped NASA return the shuttle to flight by testing its wing panels for resistance to damage from foam and ice. Read more about this project at http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/crew/Ballistics_RTF_Feature.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• nasa
• NASA
• Glenn
• Research
• Center
• debris
• space
• shuttle
• columbia
• foam
• ice
• return
• to
• flight
• ballistic
• impact
• test
• ballistics

[x24val]

actually they didn't believe that foam could break the RCC panels.

Yes, they were aware of foam causing damage, but didn't believe it could do this much damage.

BTW- The foam is still shedding ...they can't stop it still.

[oldhatrs25]

NASA knew about this issue for years and didn"t do anything because it hadn't killed anyone yet -- just like the faulty O-rings on the Challenger SRB.

Such a waste.

Thanks for the video.

[simking01]

@oldhatrs25 YES and the lower management expressed concern and wanted to use a satellite to take a look upper management said NO just like the O rings they knew and did nothing

[MpowerdAPE]

okeefe turned NASA into a bunch of paper pushing desk jockeys more concerned with PR then astronaut safety.

and he's still there.

no wonder we aint done shit since the 1980's.

[datzfast]

NASA, saving lives around the world through advanced foam impact studies. the spin off technologies are just beginning , chaff dispensers are expected to switch to foam in aircraft defence systems. plastic peanuts are being reclassified as a potential terrorist threat and will be banned from all carry on luggage.

[datzfast]

F=ma is the formula needed but NASA wasn't aware of this formulae. had they know the physics behind the impact lives could be saved. some may have seen the formula in their lifetime but none thought it would be useful latter in life. Now that the NASA testing confirms the formula, managers will be allowed to use it in the future.

[kingair81r]

They could stop it but they are not allowed to use the paint and materials needed because of enviromental reasons!

[patchin1]

It's all about the kinetic energy. At that kind of speed, the damage of some foam will be different from a pillow fight, especially it is probably soaked in water/ice. Seeing these clips makes one wonder if those engineers are relying on simulation and finite element analysis too much and lacking in intuitions in physics!

[DrJax1978]

Outstanding video. I have been looking for this for a while. Thanks for uploading it.