When SpaceX first showed off the thermal tiles on its Starship spacecraft that should keep it safe when re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere towards the loving embrace of the chopsticks on the launch ...

A NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at about 75 miles above sea level and speeds close to 17,500 mph. When slowing down to its landing speed of about 215 mph, the orbiter's ...

When SpaceX first showed off the thermal tiles on its Starship spacecraft that should keep it safe when re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere towards the loving embrace of the chopsticks on the launch ...

Now the failure of the tiles is a leading theory for the catastrophic end of Columbia. NASA struggled for years in trying to ensure that the tiles were firmly attached to the shuttle, Paul Fischbeck, ...

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – A new space shuttle tile inspection method using NASA-built, wireless scanners is replacing manual inspection. The new process begins with the upcoming shuttle mission, STS-118 ...

DALLAS — The tiles that protect the space shuttle from searing heat are all that stands between disaster and safety for the flight crew re-entering the atmosphere as a hurtling fireball. The ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The thermal tiles that have come under suspicion in the Columbia disaster seem almost absurdly brittle for something that is supposed to protect the spacecraft from the extreme ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A close-up laser inspection by Endeavour's astronauts yesterday revealed that a 3½-inch-long gouge penetrates all the way through the thermal shielding on the shuttle's belly.

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. Strips of ceramic insulation fabric ...