[Poohbah]

Quick question...

Each tile is custom-formed to a specific shape.

How do you have a "tile repair kit" under such circumstances?

[hchutch]

NASA had supposedly developed a "tile repair kit" that involved something like a caulking gun. Supposedly it degraded tile performance (I'm assuming it cut into the safety margins). I recall reading about it in one of the books I used to have on the space shuttle.

[timestax]

YEAH BUT..what's the use of having a "space station" if it can't be used in an emergency? And I'm sure if enough scientist, and engineers put their brains to work, they could come up with a way to temporarily repair tile damage in space. And if a shuttle is "too heavy" to reach space station, it should be mothballed and maybe put in a space museum.


318 posted on 02/03/2003 8:11 AM PST by timestax
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[Quilla]

Free Republic's original thread on the shuttle landing is being heralded throughout the media and the internet as an emotional timeline, both informative and heart rendering. I pray these same outlets do not get a hold of this thread. The accusations and innuendos about NASA's complicit involvement in the deaths of these seven astronauts is appalling.

[js1138]

Each tile is custom-formed to a specific shape. How do you have a "tile repair kit" under such circumstances?

Interesting question. In 1981 it would have been impossible. However, with computer driven cutters, it would be possible to make tiles to order. I'm sure the equipment would take up a lot of space, using it would take training, and once cut, how do you install them when the adhesive isn't designed to work except at precise temperatures?

[Willie Green]

How do you have a "tile repair kit" under such circumstances?

Red Green (no relation) would suggest using duct tape,
but perhaps a little Bondo would work as well.
(according to the tinfoil fix-it freaks anyway.)
Maybe the media talking-heads should get Tim Allen's opinion on the subject.