Work on shuttle fuel tank probed

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2005 | by Traci Watson

HOUSTON -- NASA is investigating whether the extensive handling of space shuttle Discovery's fuel tank by workers and engineers was partly responsible for a large piece of foam falling off during launch.

NASA spokesman Martin Jensen said Thursday that investigators are scrutinizing the number of people in contact with the tank as it was being rebuilt from 2003 to 2005. The work was needed to reduce the amount of debris it would produce during liftoff.

The team studying the debris problem has drawn no conclusions, he said. Other factors are being investigated, such as changes in the foam's chemical formula.

To apply some portions of the foam, workers walk and crawl on pads atop the tank while it's lying on its side. Strict rules govern such activity, but...