I never thought I'd link to Newsmax.com, but here it is.
I don't link to them because a) they tend to inflect silly partisan invection that only hurts the message (I guess they assume they're preaching to the choir and thus don't care how over the top they sound); and b) they never link their sources.
But, take it from me (ROFLMAO!!!), this is legit.
The insulation of the thin steel webbing of the WTC, and the eco-safe insulation of Columbia's external tanks, are what caused their untimely destructions.
There's been some speculation about this in the rocket/space groups. Apparently the new eco-safe insulation used on the tank - the stuff that broke off and punched the hole in the wing - is quite different than what was originally developed for the task. I haven't seen anything come right out and say it, but most people suspect that the new stuff doesn't work nearly as well as the stuff it had to replace. There are some real downsides to it as well, including the ability to absorb a *lot* of water.
Posted by: Ted at September 21, 2003 08:34 AM