sustained damage of at least one inch. The analysis found that the most vulnerable parts of the shuttle were the undersides of the wings close to the fuselage and right under the crew compartment.
      NASA experts have reported that data from the Columbia shows a sudden temperature rise–a marker for failed tiles–in the left wheel well, an area Fischbeck’s and Pate-Cornell’s report said was a critical risk. The report also said that NASA needed to devote additional attention to training technicians to glue tiles on the hull of the space shuttle and then test the strength of the bonding. An adhesive used for the tiles hardened more quickly if it was wet, and the report said NASA found one technician helping the process along by spitting into the glue. Unfortunately, wetting the glue compromised the bond. To detect weak bonds, experienced technicians acheck each tile with a “wiggle test,” the report said.
      Fischbeck says NASA has made improvements in protecting and maintaining the tile system since their early study. Insulation on the solid rocket boosters has been changed, and there are stricter limits on the amount of ice allowed on the external fuel tank before a launch. However, recent changes in the design of the external tank have led to increased tile damage.
      After the recent Columbia accident, this work has generated interest at a variety of news outlets including: NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Houston Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, NPR and a litany other national and trade publications.