Youre concerns are shared by all, for the biggest concern isnt the
money it should be taking care of the astronauts. The subject at hand
is a safe shuttle flight, with all components of the orbiter system
working properly, external tank, and hydraulic system included.
Determining the fate of the orbiter, and our space program involves
more than just if foam will popcorn from the external tank, it is a
safe return of our astronauts.