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To: kattracks
Would it be practical to build a protective shield for the tiles which would be mechanically durable enough to provide useful protection during launch, but would burn away harmlessly during re-entry?
2 posted on 02/03/2003 9:44:55 PM PST by supercat (TAG--you're it!)
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To: supercat
such a shield would not be "reusable".

Ablative shields were used on manned capsules prior to orbiter.

The issue is not the TPS fragility.

The issue is why did a piece of the ET insulation fall off the ET.
92 posted on 02/03/2003 10:45:02 PM PST by bonesmccoy (Defeat the terrorists... Vaccinate!)
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To: supercat
You are as bad as the media ghouls. Give it a rest!
229 posted on 02/04/2003 6:32:56 AM PST by verity
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To: supercat
>>...Would it be practical to build a protective shield for the tiles which would be mechanically durable enough to provide useful protection during launch, but would burn away harmlessly during re-entry?...<<

Just this morning I thought of this very same thing. How 'bout a spray-on ablative coating.

(great minds think alike)

277 posted on 02/05/2003 1:29:14 PM PST by FReepaholic
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