Black reusable insulation tiles shielded the entire underside of the Space Shuttle 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 on those areas of the Shuttle that sustain very high temperatures during descent. NASA transferred to the Museum a number of damaged tiles removed from the orbiter Columbia after the STS-9 mission (1983).
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 (Overall): 15.2 × 15.6 × 2.5cm (6 × 6 1/8 × 1 in.)
Materials
Silica Fiber
Glass Coating
Resin
Nomex
Inventory Number
A19860086000
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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