The Orbiter’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) was a major innovation in the space age, essential for the success of the Columbia Space Shuttle project, the first reusable space vehicle. The TPS comprises various materials applied to the orbiter’s outer surface to protect it from extreme temperatures, especially during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

The vulnerable aluminum structure of the orbiter could not withstand temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making the TPS materials the only defense against exposure to high heat. During re-entry, the TPS materials functioned in a temperature range from minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit in the cold of space to atmospheric re-entry temperatures reaching 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Installing the TPS tiles was one of the most critical and complex stages of orbiter assembly. This artifact served as a reference for technicians to assist with the rigorous calculations for the OV-102 Columbia. Fit Check Tiles, like this one, were custom designed and fabricated for temporary installation on the orbiter’s body, providing a reference for testing size and shape within the tile configuration.