[Fitzcarraldo]

It only takes ONE TILE to dislodge to destroy a Shuttle.

[RoughDobermann]

Photo sequence...

[jude24]

I seem to remember reading that eighteen tiles being dislodged on the Columbia's maiden flight.

Would it be more accurate to say that it only takes the right tile?

[bonesmccoy]

NOT TRUE. The vehicle has had multiple occurances of loss of a tile or piece of insulation. There had to be significant TPS damage prior to reentry to cause such a loss.

[GRRRRR]

Not exactly true. Tiles have been know to come off, it depends WHERE and how many come off...I have seen pics of the wing underside with tiles missing...