No the purpose of the white pant was to help keep the external tank cool to reduce fuel boil off. The foam insulation was incredibly rough, not something a thin layer of paint could smooth over.
Digit@lemmy.wtf 3 weeks ago
Though isn’t that decreasing the aerodynamics and increasing the friction?
edg@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Atropos@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Probably, but the slowest part of the trip is in the most dense air. Probably still a net benefit!