Thermal Protection System of the Space Shutt1e.

Abstract

The Thermal Protection System (TPS) of the Space Shuttle is one of the most important and successful accomplishments of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The TPS introduced and continues to incorporate many of the advances in materials over the past two decades. This review provides a comprehensive, single-volume summary of the TPS, including system design rationales, key design features, and broad descriptions of the subsystems of TPS (e.g., reusable surface insulation, leading edge structural, and penetration subsystems). Details of all elements of TPS development and application are covered--materials properties, manufacturing, modeling, testing, installation, and inspection. Disclosures and inventions are listed and potential commercial application of TPS-related technology is discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA308170

Entities

People

  • Francesco Iannetti
  • John Cleland

Organizations

  • RTI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautics
  • Composite Materials
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Heat Transfer
  • Intellectual Property
  • Leading Edges
  • Materials
  • North Carolina
  • Space Shuttles
  • Three Dimensional
  • Triangles
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Business Analytics
  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space