The Evolution of Thermal Tiles: From Shuttle to Starship

🚀Shuttle used heavy, non-reusable fiberglass and honeycomb shields for thermal protection during re-entry.

🔥Shuttle switched to lightweight ceramic tiles composed of amorphous silica fibers for thermal protection.

💡Ceramic tiles are an excellent insulator due to the large amount of empty air space they contain.

🌡️The external temperature of the tiles can reach 1200°C, while the interior remains cool to the touch.

⚗️The tiles are coated with a special type of glass called RCG, which makes them opaque and strengthens their surface.

How are thermal tiles manufactured?

—Thermal tiles are manufactured by mixing amorphous silica fibers with additional additives, pouring the mixture into molds, drying it, and then heating it in a furnace.

What is the purpose of the black coating on the tiles?

—The black coating, called RCG, makes the tiles opaque and enhances their ability to radiate heat, protecting the spacecraft from infrared radiation.

Why are thermal tiles important for space exploration?

—Thermal tiles protect spacecraft from the extreme heat generated during atmospheric re-entry, ensuring the safety and integrity of the vehicle and its occupants.

Are thermal tiles reusable?

—Shuttle's thermal tiles were not reusable, but SpaceX's Starship aims to develop reusable thermal tiles for cost-effective space exploration.

What advancements have been made in thermal tile technology?

—Advancements in thermal tile technology include the development of lightweight ceramic tiles with improved insulation capabilities and the use of innovative coatings for enhanced heat radiation.

00:00Introduction to the topic of thermal tiles and their importance in spacecraft.

03:00Explanation of the manufacturing process of thermal tiles using amorphous silica fibers.

05:40Demonstration of the insulating properties of thermal tiles through heat resistance experiments.

09:30Comparison between the thermal tiles used on the Space Shuttle and the potential use of similar tiles on SpaceX's Starship.