>> Не очень понятно слово "фрагмент". Обычно плитки целиком отклеивались. Если действительно фрагмент, похоже на удар.
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>Может перевели неточно? Одна плитка в принципе и есть фрагмент всего ТЗП.
In addition to the chunk of foam that broke from Discovery’s external fuel tank during launch, several smaller pieces broke away as well. A thermal tile on Discovery’s belly was also damaged soon after liftoff.
One tile near the doors for Discovery’s landing gear — a particularly vulnerable spot — lost a 1½-inch (4-centimeter) piece that was repaired before the flight.
Deputy shuttle program manager Wayne Hale said none of the tile damage looked serious and likely wouldn’t require the use of untested repair techniques in orbit designed after Columbia.
“We don’t really have a mechanism for knowing why a part of that tile came off,” Hale said.
