Thermal Protection System: A Study of the Space Shuttle's Heat Protection
Monica Morris
Elmore County
Abstract
The space shuttle's Thermal Protection System is composed of those
materials which are installed on the outer surface of the orbiter to protect it from
the high temperatures encountered during re-entry. In order to withstand
temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit during re-entry, the space shuttle is
equipped with this system. In order to control the heating during orbit from solar
radiation, the Thermal Protection System is primarily white. The Thermal
Protection System also serves as the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle. In this
project I studied and examined the arrangement of the varying components of the
Thermal Protection System. These components consist of reinforced carbon-
carbon, high temperature reusable surface insulation tiles, fibrous refractory
composite insulation tiles, low temperature reusable surface insulation tiles,
advanced flexible reusable surface insulation, Nomex felt reusable surface
insulation, and thermal barriers. Each material can withstand a certain amount of
heat. I also analyzed the placement of the specific heat tiles on the space shuttle
and designed three diagrams and a key to display this information. From my
research, I have come to the conclusion that the heat tiles are arranged in the most
effective location on the space shuttle.