Re: accident on pad -- damage -- overnight fix possible

"Jim Oberg" <jameseoberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:loXAe.145047$PR6.52769@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Space Shuttle Damaged on the Launch Pad
> By MARCIA DUNN, AP Aerospace Writer 13 minutes ago
>
> CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With the countdown for Discovery in its final
> hours,
> NASA was dealt a setback Tuesday when a window cover fell off the shuttle
> and damaged thermal tiles near the tail. But the space agency said it
> could
> fix the problem in time for Wednesday's launch.

How are the window covers held in place?

How are they jetissoned, and at what point after lift-off?

Are there any periods during the ascent when a a dislodged window would pose
a risk to the shuttle, similar to the risks posed by the ET foam insulation?

Ted Molczan


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