Is falling "foam" harder to spot during a night time shuttle lift-off?

Answer 1

Easier with proper lighting. The foam would show up bright on a dark background from below, looking at the night sky, and if certain color lights are used, it could be improved dramatically with filters on the cameras.
Feel free to patent the idea.

Answer 2

We'll find out! I would imagine it is more difficult or near impossible unless they mounted lights on the center fuel tank to try and illuminate the edges of foam flying off. Even then it would be hard to spot smaller pieces without frame by frame analysis looking for dark spots that obscure the rocket flame. One could ask why they didn't put cameras near the base and look "up" for foam, but I doubt that's possible with the temperatures near the base of the shuttle. Right now they are using x-ray analysis to look for cracks in the foam before launch. The assumption there is that the cracks are not spontaneously generated during launch. I'm not sure of the results of this. They've also put special sensors in the "wings" to detect holes caused by the foam. Finally the shuttle does a funky 360 degree rotation near "usually under" the space station before heading home. This way they can hopefully spot any damage from the foam. They also use the robotic arm in the shuttle cargo bay to look around the exterior for any damage. The arm is not long enough to get a look at the bottom of the shuttle. Hence, they use the 360 flip so the space station can get a look at it. I'm not sure how they will address this when they go visit the Hubble station.

Answer 3

No there is enough light for low light cameras to see it clearly. There are also very specialised radars around the launch site that can pick out any debris coming off and track it.

Many sailors perished sailing on a flat earth many years ago. Thankfully space travel is much safer than that but it cannot be made really safe.

We have to thank and applaud not just the astronauts who we can see taking the risks but also the scientists, controllers, managers and all the NASA staff. It is easy to forget the pressures and responsibilities on all their shoulders and the deep grief and responsibility all feel when there has been a tragedy.

All are true hero's who do their utmost to make spaceflight as safe as possible whilst recognising that death has come and will come again to their brave community!

Answer 4

That probably depends on your point of view. I saw a live shot on CNN last night that was taken by a camera mounted on the external fuel tank. If it fell off on that side, it would have been pretty clear. If it was on the side away from the orbiter, it's not a problem.

And it was a really cool view to watch the orbiter lift away from the tank, too.