The Space Shuttle thermal protection system (TPS) is the barrier that protected the Space Shuttle Orbiter during the extreme 1,650 °C (3,000 °F) heat of atmospheric reentry. A secondary goal was to protect from the heat and cold of space while in orbit.

• A Tale of Two Heat Shields – Recent Uses and Development of Heat Shields and Materials Issues 3

For the space shuttle orbiter, a different kind of heat protection system was needed. With a design life of 100 missions, this revolutionary new space vehicle required a lightweight, reusable thermal protection system composed of entirely new materials. The purpose of the thermal protection system is not only to protect the orbiter from the ...

But in March 1975, the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory conducted a briefing for Space Shuttle engineers on the classified results of the ASSET, PRIME, and boost-glide reentry vehicle (BGRV) programs that indicated that leeward-side heating was a serious consideration.

Feb 14, 2024 · Details of these specific coatings and tile compositions for Shuttle missions can be found in this NASA presentation. Using spectral analysis on the tile fragments, the materials in each sample...

These materials are used around the leading edge of the forward fuselage nose cap, windshields and side hatch, wing, trailing edge of elevons, vertical stabilizer, rudder/speed brake, body flap and heat shield of the shuttle's main engines.

In 2003, Colombia exploded upon re-entry into the atmosphere; a piece of insulation foam had broken during launch and struck the left wing, the shuttle’s heat shield was compromised and caused the breakup of the shuttle.

Thermal Protection System Facility (TPSF) which supported the Space Shuttle program provides the heat shield Avcoat blocks and the back shell AETB-8 tiles for Orion program. Extending the existing Space Shuttle TPS operations at KSC provides onsite support to the Orion spacecraft assembly operations. A

Because the thermal protection system is installed on the outside of the orbiter skin, it establishes the aerodynamics over the vehicle in addition to acting as the heat shield. The TPS is a passive system consisting of materials selected for stability at high temperatures and weight efficiency.