Debris Seen Falling Off Shuttle During Launch

kushboy writes "According to an article on CNN.com, there is video of debris falling off Discovery during its launch earlier today. While the debris does not appear to hit the shuttle, extra precaution and more video will be analyzed due to the Columbia mission of 2003. 'NASA has taken steps to minimize the amount and size of debris falling off the shuttle's exterior tank during its ascent. But the space agency has said it's impossible to eliminate falling launch debris.'"

Comments

Might be problems on the way back.

[Jeet81]

I am no rocket scientist so bear with me
The debris falling off would be problem if they were falling off from the under side the shuttle (the insulation from underneath the shuttle) or hitting the insulation and ripping it off.

On the way back this is the side exposed to tremendous friction and temperatures reach 1000+. So even a slight amount of insulation missing could cause the high temperatures to reach inside the shuttle which could be a great problem.
So I hope they check the debris properly and take appropriate actions.