NASA Statement on Foam Shedding From External Tank

David Mould/Dean Acosta
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

July 28, 2005
RELEASE: 05-207

Statement on Foam Shedding From External Tank

NASA engineers are evaluating the loss of a large piece of insulation foam
from the Space Shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank during Tuesday's
launch. Based on initial assessments, the foam -- which appears to measure
approximately 24 to 33 inches long, 10 to 13 inches wide and 2-1/2 to 8
inches thick -- was seen by high-resolution camera equipment added to the
Shuttle system after the loss of Columbia in 2003. The accident was caused
by foam from the external tank hitting the orbiter during launch.

There was no indication the piece of foam sighted Tuesday caused any damage
to Discovery. The Shuttle will undergo further inspection beginning Thursday
to check for any significant damage to the orbiter.

"As with any unexpected occurrence, we will closely and thoroughly evaluate
this event and make any needed modifications to the Shuttle before we launch
again," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said. "This is a test flight.
Among the things we are testing are the integrity of the foam insulation and
the performance of new camera equipment installed to detect problems. The
cameras worked well. The foam did not."

Discovery's seven crew members are being updated with the latest ground team
analysis of the foam loss and are continuing to take part in the inspection
process.

For the latest information about the STS-114 mission, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight



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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info