[Dr D]

Once again we are faced with tile damage that could put this mission in jeopardy. We know that the tiles are fragile, and easily damaged. Why not install a thin carbon fiber (or some other suitable material) sheet over the bottom of the shuttle, to protect the tiles from harm during lift-off? During re-entry, this protective barrier would burn away, with no harm or foul. You have seen sheets of white foam insulation, which are easily damaged. When they put the thin sheet of blue plastic over it, it can absorb all kinds of abuse. When I mentioned this solution to a friend, he said that surely, the hordes of aerospace engineers must have considered this solution, and discarded it for one reason or another. I wonder. Any ideas why this would not work?

I just noticed that I put Soace, instead of Space in the title, and was unable to change it-sorry.

[RickJ]

;) changed it for you

[Lowtax4eva]

Im no aerospace engineer but one thing could be if a tile fell off the was held in place by a sheet of carbon fibre (or any material) during flight it would just rattle around and possibly knock other tiles loose.

Probably best to let 1 tile fall then have it knock out others with it.

[CaptainRich]

Perhaps address the issue of the loose foam and/or falling ice? There must be a way to reduce risks from that angle.

Then again, it may be just more economical to deal with a tile or two, rather than re-engineer a whole new shuttle.

[Stratmando]

I have always thought the Tiles or Heat shield was like a spare tire, you may need it to get you home. Not really a Spare.
Although Ant's mating in space IS very interesting. From day one I would look for some type of shield repair. The last disastrous flight, I thought a fly by the Space Station, For better view, would be good, drop off unnecessary crew for a "Seat of the Pants" ride back.
It didn't happen. Hope all goes well on this. Like to believe Space Station prepared for unexpected stays, and just? Have to wait for next Shuttle. God Speed

[CaptainRich]

That's why they're the rocket science guys and we just watch. I've watched the NASA feed and they've considered thing I'd never have though of...

NASA - Space Shuttle

They have my blessings, and God speed.

[Stratmando]

I was talking, Engineers Vs PR, Politics, Money, Common Sense. I am for the Engineers,
They don't always win.

[CaptainRich]

I am for the Engineers,
They don't always win.

Agreed. Shudder the thought!
PR stooges and politicians couldn't cross the street without engineers.

[Stratmando]

Aye Captain!

[JoeCanada76]

There is also great technology that they do have in their hands that are able to safely fix and repair these tiles properly that can with stand lots of damage and experiments with different combinations of materials to create a stronger tile have been done in space. So the solutions are there, question is why is nasa not taking that step to actually fix it, and fix it properly?

[CaptainRich]

I'd guess it's a financial decision. Like I've pointed out, engineers have solutions, they just don't hold the purse strings. Too bad.
Don't forget the shuttle program has nearly reached it's life expectancy. Kind of hard to justify putting new tires on something you're going to park soon. Granted we've been wasteful... take a look at Suisin Bay, for example. But that's another thread.

[Dr D]

The link to NASA that Captain Provided had great information on the improved thermal blankets and tiles that have been put in use since the Columbia. I am certain that the scientists and engineers are all dedicated to making the vehicle as safe as possible. From what I have seen, the improvements have been in the area of thermal protection, which seems adeqate, barring damage. They have probably taken steps to reduce the shedding of foam and ice. I have not found anything related to the protection of these thermal systems from kinetic damage in the first 3 minutes of flight. Perhaps even a covering sheet of the same material that Fed Ex envelopes are made from would weigh too much. Have you ever tried to rip one of those? Doesn't anyone know a NASA engineer?

[JoeCanada76]

Nasa has announced that they are not going to attempt to fix any of the damage. Maybe after it comes back? Hmmmm.