ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON SPACE SHUTTLE REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION COATED WITH REACTION CURED GLASS

摘要

Sample tiles of the Space Shuttle reusable surface insulation coated with reaction-cured glass have been subjected alternately to simulated mission heating and either real or simulated environmental exposure for up to 34 cycles. The coating cracked as a result of exposure to high temperature and moisture conditions, and insulation with cracked coatings absorbed significant quantities of water in the launch-pad environment. Cracking was a complex function of time, temperature, and moisture exposure. Cracked coatings remained adherent to the insulation for up to 24 cycles past initial cracking.