Hi,
I have been a lurker of this group for quite a while - thought i would like to chip in.
I have a question regarding why (mechanically) the foam insulation detaches. Is it the presence or action of ice on the foam weakens or acts on it?
Or is it just the insulation is not that well attached and will fall off anyway?

I assume the former (ice action or loading).

So if it were possible to prevent any ice build up or action over the entire period that the tank sits filled up, that would reduce insulation falling off?

The ice builds up because the temperature gradient through the insulation means that it is below freezing on the outside surface. How about if one were to apply an external "heater grid" of some sort to the tank surfaces which face the shuttle. The purpose of which is simply to keep the tank surface slightly above freezing during the entire sitting-on-the-pad time. This heater-grid would be removed well before launch its job completed.
There might be a cost of extra boil off of fuel, but I gather this is a small cost in the scheme of things

Any thoughts?