NASA Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Tile | 1980’s
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States, NASA Space Shuttle Program
Material: Silica-based ceramic core with Reaction Cured Glass (RCG) coating
Period: 1980s, Space Shuttle Program
Description
This authentic NASA Space Shuttle High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (HRSI) tile is a rare relic of America’s pioneering era of reusable spacecraft. Designed to endure the extreme heat of atmospheric reentry—up to 1,260°C (2,300°F)—these tiles lined the underside and high-stress areas of the Shuttle orbiters. Constructed with an ultra-lightweight silica-based ceramic and encased in a black Reaction Cured Glass (RCG) coating, the HRSI tile exemplifies the ingenuity and advanced materials science of NASA’s Shuttle program. Each orbiter carried over 20,000 of these precision-engineered components, critical to the safety and success of the missions.
Features
- Genuine NASA HRSI tile from the Space Shuttle Program (1980s)
- Lightweight silica-ceramic construction with RCG coating
- Heat-resistant up to 1,260°C (2,300°F)
- Includes original NASA-issued case and documentation
- Direct provenance from NASA archives
Cultural Significance
The Space Shuttle, active from 1981 to 2011, was one of humanity’s most ambitious engineering achievements, enabling orbital missions, satellite deployment, and the construction of the International Space Station. The HRSI tiles were at the heart of this innovation, representing the critical balance between strength, heat protection, and weight reduction. Owning one of these tiles is not only a connection to the Shuttle program but also to decades of scientific progress that paved the way for modern space exploration.
Condition
Well-preserved in its original NASA-issued case, complete with documentation confirming its authenticity and program use.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 1 in
Width: 4 in
Depth: 1 in
Age
1980s, NASA Shuttle Program
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States, NASA Space Shuttle Program
Material: Silica-based ceramic core with Reaction Cured Glass (RCG) coating
Period: 1980s, Space Shuttle Program
Description
This authentic NASA Space Shuttle High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (HRSI) tile is a rare relic of America’s pioneering era of reusable spacecraft. Designed to endure the extreme heat of atmospheric reentry—up to 1,260°C (2,300°F)—these tiles lined the underside and high-stress areas of the Shuttle orbiters. Constructed with an ultra-lightweight silica-based ceramic and encased in a black Reaction Cured Glass (RCG) coating, the HRSI tile exemplifies the ingenuity and advanced materials science of NASA’s Shuttle program. Each orbiter carried over 20,000 of these precision-engineered components, critical to the safety and success of the missions.
Features
- Genuine NASA HRSI tile from the Space Shuttle Program (1980s)
- Lightweight silica-ceramic construction with RCG coating
- Heat-resistant up to 1,260°C (2,300°F)
- Includes original NASA-issued case and documentation
- Direct provenance from NASA archives
Cultural Significance
The Space Shuttle, active from 1981 to 2011, was one of humanity’s most ambitious engineering achievements, enabling orbital missions, satellite deployment, and the construction of the International Space Station. The HRSI tiles were at the heart of this innovation, representing the critical balance between strength, heat protection, and weight reduction. Owning one of these tiles is not only a connection to the Shuttle program but also to decades of scientific progress that paved the way for modern space exploration.
Condition
Well-preserved in its original NASA-issued case, complete with documentation confirming its authenticity and program use.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 1 in
Width: 4 in
Depth: 1 in
Age
1980s, NASA Shuttle Program
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