Space Shuttle Orbiter - Reusable surface insulation subsystem thermal performance

The thermal performance of the reusable surface insulation (RSI) subsystem consisting of silica tiles, silicone coated nylon felt insulation, and ceramic cloth gap fillers and thermal barriers is discussed. Thermal response predictions for the components are compared with measured flight data, which indicates that the RSI thermal performance can meet or exceed design requirements for the majority of the RSI. Visual inspections and the maximum temperature conditions observed in structural components after data acquisition suggest that the flight environment was not as severe as the worst case preflight prediction.