Posted: Tue, Jun 17, 2003, 9:22 PM ET (0122 GMT)
In the latest test of the effects of foam debris on the shuttle, a chunk of foam created gaps between fiberglass panels in the leading edge of the shuttle's wing. The test, performed Monday at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, was similar to two other recent foam impact tests. A chunk of foam weighing about 0.75 kilograms, fired from a nitrogen gas cannon, struck a fiberglass panel on a mockup of the leading edge of the shuttle's left wing. The impact created gaps between Panel 6, the struck panel, and the two adjoining panels. Another impact test, this time with greater force, is planned for Wednesday. A final impact test, using an actual RCC panel from the approximate area of the shuttle's wing where foam hit Columbia during launch, is scheduled for late this month.

Related Links:

•  Florida Today article
•  Houston Chronicle article