smb@ulysses.UUCP (11/09/83)
Does anyone know what the final verdict was on what caused the lining erosion? I just saw a news story that said that although the nozzle on Columbia was changed, the protective material was OK, and that the boosters have been "exonerated". The NASA spokesperson is quotes as saying that he didn't understand the complex tests performed, but that NASA is statisfied that there won't be any more problems.
jhh@ihldt.UUCP (11/09/83)
I don't rember the details exactly, but I believe there was a bubble between the lining and what it lined. This bubble pushed the lining into a position where it was more subject to erosion.
rhib@mhuxm.UUCP (11/09/83)
According to recent press the lining erosion problem was localized to a single batch of lining material. I presume NASA has taken steps to ensure that subsequent batches are not subsequently found to be defective