[snopercod]

The problem is worse than this article states.

Challenger and two Titan III's were lost partially due to the replacement of asbestos-bearing putty with zinc chromate putty to seal the booster segments.

Also, the solvents and adhesives used in the booster mating procecures were changed, resulting in O-ring blowby similar to that which brought down the Challenger.

It continues to this day. NASA is a pitifull, helpless, giant...

[XBob]

An interesting quote from the main story -

"Bruce Wright of New Orleans, a former Michoud quality control inspector who was laid off in September 2002, ...

... Wright said. "As we know now, the foam adhesion is quite important.'

===

So, before the Colombia fiasco, the quality control inspectors at the tank plant didn't know that it was important that the foam stay on the tank.

Absolutely, friggin, ..... believable !!!!