NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Testing the Shuttle heat-protection armorThe article deals with the thermal protection system (TPS) designed to keep Space Shuttle structures at 350 F ratings over a wide range of temperatures encountered in orbit, but also during prelaunch, launch, deorbit and re-entry, landing and turnaround. The structure, function, fabrication, and bonding of various types of reusable surface insulation and composite materials are described. Test programs are developed for insulation, seals, and adhesion bonds; leak tests and acoustic fatigue tests are mentioned. Test facilities include arc jets, radiant heaters, furnaces, and heated tunnels. The certification tests to demonstrate TPS reusability, structural integrity, thermal performance, and endurance will include full-scale assembly tests and initial orbital flight tests.
Document ID
19760033749
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Strouhal, G.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Tillian, D. J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Structures and Mechanics Div., Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Astronautics and Aeronautics
Volume: 14
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
76A16715
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available