Thermal Protection System of the Space Shutt1e.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA308170 | Open PDF

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.

Author(s):
Cleland, John ; Iannetti, Francesco
Author Organization(s):
RESEARCH TRIANGLE INST RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC
Descriptive Note:
Contractor rept.,
Pagination:
0294

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release, Document Partially Illegible
Distribution Statement:
Availability: Document Partially Illegible.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NASA-CR-4227
Contract/Grant Number(s):
NASW-3841-72
Monitor Series:
CR-4227, XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Cyber
Descriptor(s):
*COMPOSITE MATERIALS, *CERAMIC COATINGS, *CERAMIC MATERIALS, *SPACE SHUTTLES, *AERODYNAMIC HEATING, *HEAT RESISTANT MATERIALS, HEAT TRANSFER, REENTRY VEHICLES, CARBON CARBON COMPOSITES, HEAT SHIELDS, LEADING EDGES, AEROTHERMODYNAMICS, SURFACE TEMPERATURE, THERMAL STRESSES, SEALING COMPOUNDS, TILES, FILLERS, THERMAL INSULATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Ceramics, Refractories and Glass, Coatings, Colorants and Finishes, Laminates and Composite Materials, Thermodynamics, Manned Spacecraft
Report Date:
1989 Jun 01
Creation Date:
1996 Jun 11