During re-entry the Shuttle experiences temperatures as high as 1500 oC, hot enough to melt the orbiter's metal construction.
So, NASA designed a protective shell to dissipate the heat. Unfortunately, it wasn't that durable.
Space Shuttle Human Time Bomb?
Problem Tiles
Pioneer Productions for Channel 4 and Channel 4 International
Credit List
Co-Director Duncan Bulling
Head of Production Kirstie McLure Executive Producer Stuart Carter Producer and Director Alex Hearle
