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Description of the manufacturing challenges in producing the high-temperature reusable surface insulation for the thermal protection system of the Space ShuttleThe paper describes the high-temperature reusable surface insulation for the thermal protection system of the Space Shuttle. This system protects the Space Shuttle Orbiter on reentry and it is an externally attached, rigidized, fibrous silica, machined into 15 x 20 cm tiles. The tiles constitute the High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (HRSI) system, and are used on over 70 percent of the exterior surface where peak temperatures range from 400 to 1260 C. Carbon-carbon leading edges are used in areas where peak temperatures exceed 1650 C, and a Nomex felt flexible insulation system is used in regions below 400 C. Approximately 32,000 tiles are used in the HRSI system, and due to vehicle configuration and aerodynamic requirements no two tiles are alike.
Document ID
19800052704
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Forsberg, K.
(Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc. Sunnyvale, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1979
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AAAF PAPER NT 79-42
Meeting Information
Meeting: Congres International Aeronautique
Location: Paris
Country: France
Start Date: June 6, 1979
End Date: June 8, 1979
Sponsors: Association Aeronautique et Astronautique de France
Accession Number
80A36874
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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