NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · 1983 · 10 citations · 0 references
Open access
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringSystems EngineeringAerospace MaterialsHeat TransferSpacecraft DesignInsulation MaterialsInsulation SystemsThermal DesignThermal InsulationThermal ManagementThermal Protection MaterialsOperational Performance AssessmentOperational Performance ReviewReusable Thermal ProtectionTemperature ProtectionThermal Insulation PerformanceThermal ProtectionThermal Protection System DesignThermal Protection Systems
The first five flights of the orbiter Columbia provided the initial data required to certify the operational performance of the reusable surface insulation (RSI) thermal protection system (TPS). The flight performance characteristics of the RIS TPS are discussed. The discussion is based primarily on postflight inspections and postflight interpretation of the flight instrumentation. TPS modifications of the future orbiters (OV-099, 103, and subs) are also discussed.