This space shuttle thermal insulation tile was removed after being damaged on the first flight of Columbia in 1981. Black reusable insulation tiles shielded the entire underside of the orbiter, as well as portions of the vertical tail, wings, and forward and aft fuselage where temperatures reach 1,200-2,300 degrees F (650-1,260 degrees C) during re-entry into the atmosphere. About 23,000 black tiles were used primarily on the upper forward fuselage and the underside of the Shuttle, areas that sustain high temperatures during descent. NASA transferred a number of such tiles to the Museum after the STS-1 mission.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 21.5 × 15 × 9.2cm (8 7/16 × 5 7/8 × 3 5/8 in.)
Materials
Ceramic bonded silica fiber with glass coating.
Inventory Number
A19820016000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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