How much does a space shuttle tile cost?

a grand total of $23.40. That’s quite the bargain considering that NASA estimates its original acquisition cost was $1,000 per tile. More than 20,000 tiles are installed on each space shuttle and each tile is designed to survive 100 trips to space and back.

What were the tiles on the space shuttle made of?

They are made up of what is called a porous silicon material that is very light and extremely heat resistant. There are two main types of tiles, one a black-coated tile called HRSI for High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tile. These tiles can withstand up to 2,300 degrees F (1,260 degrees C).

Why were there ceramic tiles on the bottom of the shuttle?

These tiles protect areas where temperatures are below 1,200 oF. The tiles are white since while in orbit the shuttle encounters extremely low temperatures and the white surface provides better thermal characteristics when the temperature is below 0 oF. 5.

How did the space shuttle use ceramic tiles?

Much of the shuttle was covered with LI-900 silica tiles, made from essentially very pure quartz sand. The insulation prevented heat transfer to the underlying orbiter aluminium skin and structure. These tiles were such poor heat conductors that one could hold one by the edges while it was still red hot.

Why are shuttle tiles black?

The tiles exposed to reentry temperatures of up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, such as those on portions of the belly, are given a protective coating of black glass. Black tiles work by reflecting about 90 percent of the heat they’re exposed to back into the atmosphere, while the tiles’ interior absorbs the rest.

Can you touch space shuttle tiles?

Even after being in an 2,200 degree Fahrenheit oven for hours, the material that make up the space shuttle’s thermal tiles dissipates heat so quickly that it is safe to touch (at the corners) while it is still molten — basically lava —inside.

How much do silica tiles cost?

According to the tiles’ manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, the baked silica squares originally cost NASA about $10,000 per square foot installed. Typically, tiles measure about a quarter of that or six by six inches (15.2 by 15.2 cm).

Why are space shuttle tiles black?

Who made space shuttle tiles?

The mid-1960s development of a lightweight materials made of silica fibers must be credited to Bob Beasley.

What do you know about Space Shuttle tiles?

You or your students may have witnessed many memorable space shuttle launches — the delivery and repair flights for the Hubble Space Telescope, the many flights to the International Space Station. Thermal protection tiles contributed immeasurably in making America a world leader in routine human spaceflight.

What is the density of shuttle tile?

They are made to insulate the shuttle up to 1,200 degrees F (650 degrees C). These tiles are usually larger and thinner, 8 inches long on each side (20.3cm) and from less than a half inch (1 cm) thick up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) in thick- ness. The densities range from 9 to 12 pounds per cubic foot.

What are the different types of shuttle roof tiles?

There are two main types of tiles, one a black-coated tile called HRSI for High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tile. These tiles can withstand up to 2,300 degrees F (1,260 degrees C). They cover the bottom of the shuttle, areas around the forward windows, and several other key areas.

How many FRCI tiles are there on the shuttle?

There are nearly 3,000 FRCI tiles on the shuttle, primarily in areas of high heat. FRCI tiles are mostly used on the base of the shuttle; this is where the highest heat is encountered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWMQTP_9nP8