Producing the high temperature reusable surface insulation for the thermal protection system of the Space Shuttle

The primary insulation system used to protect the space shuttle orbiter on reentry is an externally attached, rigidized, fibrous silica which has been machined into tiles. The tiles constitute the temperature reusable surface insulation system and are used on over 70 percent of the vehicle exterior surface where peak temperatures range from 400 to 1260 C. Cargon-carbon leading edges are used in areas where peak temperatures exceed 1650 C and a felt flexible insulation is used in regions below 400 C. Approximately 32,000 tiles are used in the HRST system and because of vehicle configuration, aerodynamic requirements, and weight considerations no two tiles are alike. Fabrication and quality control procedures are described.