2007-11-29 05:09:00 · 3 answers · asked by brittany a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It's the ceramic tiles and the 'solid smoke' insulation material behind them.
All that info is on the NASA website.
2007-11-29 05:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ablation [See source for definition.] is invoked to protect the shuttle from drag friction heat upon entering the atmosphere. The so-called tiles along the leading edges and nose of the shuttle are made of ceramic material, which has a high ablation temperature. So as the leading edges heat up, the tiles slough off a bit and carry that heat off into the air and away from the passengers inside.
2007-11-29 13:15:49 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space Shuttle thermal protection system
there are a lot of diffrent layers on diffrent parts of the ship
I see re-enforced carbon on the back but im not sure what the white tiles are made up of, I found a like describing all of it listed below.
2007-11-29 13:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by +balance- 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋