Shuttle foam question.

It’s good news that the Shuttle is likely to carry out three missions this year, I’m a big fan of the shuttle programme.

I have one question that perhaps someone can clear up for me:

Is the problem with the insulation foam breaking off the external tank a new one?

Over the years I have followed the Shuttle missions even when the media deemed space flight routine but its only recently that I heard about the foam problem. I know the ET used to be painted but this was stopped fairly early on as the paint added to the weight. Did the paint add some strength?

I think I heard somewhere that they had to change what the foam was made of. Anyone able to confirm this and why?

Matt

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