Discovery Blasted Off Successfully

[RangerWickett]

I think the hull is made of somekind of carbon substance. When I was watching the launch on TV they kept refering to "carbon-carbon" in the hull. I think "carbon-carbon" is kind of redundant, don't you think?

You can say that again.

 

[Steve Jung]

The bottom surface of the orbiter is covered with tiles made of silica fibers. This NASA site has details on the thermal protection system for the shuttle.

 

[Ranger REG]

What about the rest of the shuttle's hull?

 

[Steve Jung]

Sorry my post wasn't clear, but the NASA site refers to the shuttle's whole surface. The upper surfaces are covered with thinner silica tiles, silica blankets, and Nomex felt.

 

[Darth K'Trava]

Eric's grandma! Eric's grandma!

I see the secondary Brain Control took over here....


I just hope they have a safe return with the tile prob they had... ::crosses fingers::

 

[Laurel]

Sounds like the space walk was a success - the first tile removed by hand without incident.

Discovery should have no problems returning home.

 

[Ranger REG]

Sounds like the space walk was a success - the first tile removed by hand without incident.

Discovery should have no problems returning home.

Not the tile. It's them gap fillers. Removing the tile would be an entirely new problem.