rk wrote:

"Evaluation of Ice and Frost Accumulation on the Space Shuttle External Tank"




I notice that the balloon-encased tank idea occurred to them also.
The conductive paint was an interesting idea, but that possible arcing
problem they mention in close proximity to all that LOX and LH2 sounds
dangerous, particularly given any venting of the propellants before launch.
The "hosing it down with water" scheme as a way of preventing ice
formation is one of the most counter-intuitive approaches I've ever
read. The water may start off at ambient air temperature at the top of
the ET, but exactly how much has it cooled by the time it has run
halfway down the LH2 tank?

Pat