Golf-Ball Sized Hail Damages Shuttle

MattSparkes writes "The Shuttles March launch has been delayed to late April after golf-ball sized hail caused 7000 pits and divots in the foam that shields the fuel tank. NASA say it's the worst damage of its kind that they have ever seen, but hail is not a new problem for the agency. In 1982, a hailstorm damaged the sensitive heat shield tiles on the Columbia's wings. The damaged tiles then absorbed about 540 kilograms of rain. Once in space, the orbiter faced the Sun to allow the tiles to dry out."

I'm Like NASA!

[Anonymous Coward]

In 1982, a hailstorm damaged the sensitive heat shield tiles on the Columbia's wings. The damaged tiles then absorbed about 540 kilograms of rain.

Just like my chevy!

I wonder if they're having problems getting the smell of stale McDonald's & whiskey out of their vehicle too.

Obviously

[Rob T Firefly]

NASA is not a golfer.

Re:Obviously

[CrackedButter]

Woo, isn't NASA supposed to be a millionaire?

hang on...

[symes]

Golf balls [wikipedia.org] have bumps and divots over the surface to enable longer flight times. Surely these additional bumps will also aid the shuttle's aerodynamics?

That is what you get having it in Florida

[DaveV1.0]

All those damned retirees and there golf. Worse than kids, I tell ya!

Re:I do the same

[DeeVeeAnt]

So, how do you expect it to survive re-entry then?

Re:Exactly how hard...

[SydBarrett]

Uh oh, NASA forgot to put the shuttle in the garage after they got back from the mall. Their dad is gonna be SO pissed.

Re:I do the same

[daeg]

Better to have it burn up in re-entry than have your wife get your truck in the divorce.

Re:Obviously

[aadvancedGIR]

That foam really tied the fuel tank together, did it not?

Re:Obviously

[saboola]

What they need is The Ding King! [dingking.tv]. (As Seen On TV!)

Re:Obviously

[Rob T Firefly]

You want foam? I can get you foam. Believe me, there are ways, dude..

Re:Obviously

[ajlitt]

Also, foam is not the preferred nomenclature. Insulation, please.