Canon EOS 5D
ƒ/2.8
16 mm
1/100
800

…with reentry-streaked ceramic tiles tagged for damage, and a couple tiles removed.

Most of the tiles are unique, with varying thickness and materials, part of the incredibly complex Thermal Protection System (TPS) that needs to withstand the 3000° F of reentry.

The rear landing gear wheels are getting new tires.

Fingers crossed for STS-118 (which has tile damage in this area)

12 responses to “Under Atlantis (Shuttle TPS)”

  1. She looks like a really, really big fish.

  2. I think that was a little embarassing for the Shuttle, you staring at its belly from below.

  3. especially with its gear hanging down…

  4. what a great view – very cool. How did you get to see this?

  5. solarnu: NASA Administrator’s tour… very sweet, I must say

  6. the pic isn’t shown anymore, just a broken image icon. some copyright problems?

  7. I get the image OK. Others having problems?

    No copyright issues – it’s a photo I took in the OPF, and like all my photos, it has a CC license.

  8. I can see it just fine!

  9. ok at home i can see it….. maybe we have some filters a work .. i have to investigate this 🙂

  10. It’s too bad that your Obama is dumping NASA

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