You are correct, the ice forms on the external fuel tank only. The solid rocket booster are whatever the ambient temperature is, so no ice buildup. And of course the damage to the shutle's wind was from foam not ice. I used to work at the Space Center and watched the Challenger lift off. It was a beautiful clear sunny day. Who knew that at that moment the astronauts fates were sealed. I remember waiting to hear the twin sonic booms of re-entry of the shuttle and it never happening. It was a sad day.
This message has been edited by kjsimons, 01-04-2005 21:58 AM