Columbia STS-107: Foam Impact Test Blows Hole in Wing Panel
The short version
Archive footage from 7 July 2003 shows a foam block fired from a gun at a carbon-reinforced panel from shuttle Atlantis, leaving a hole. Columbia Accident Investigation Board member Scott Hubbard says the foam block that fell off the external tank was the most probable, direct cause of the Columbia accident. He also outlines early recommendations on imagery and on-orbit inspection and repair.
Questions this video answers
What did the foam impact test show?
A foam block fired from a pressurised gun at a carbon-reinforced panel taken from shuttle Atlantis blew a hole in it, according to the AP Archive description of the July 2003 test.
What did Scott Hubbard say about the cause?
Scott Hubbard of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board said the foam block that fell off the external tank was the most probable cause, the direct cause, of the Columbia accident.
What early recommendations did he mention?
He said better imagery, the ability to do on-orbit inspection and repair, and use of national assets to check for damage.
How many shuttle flights had there been?
He said there had been only 113 shuttle flights, and each was a special flight.
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