Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 5/2/2004

Question
(Dont know if im asking this question in the right category, but hopefully you can help me out though). Why was the U.S. Space Shuttle made in white instead of black?

Answer
Hi Darell,
The shuttle uses two types of tiles.
These are referred to as Low-temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (LRSI) and High-temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (or HRSI).

The color is kept white so that the space shuttle reflects away most of the sunlight falling on it and thus remains cool, when in outer space.

These were developed out of a thermal resistant silica based material developed for NASA by Lockheed in the 1960s!

Two other types of tiles, known as FRCI and TUCI (Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation and Toughened Unipiece Fibrous Insulation), which protect against temperatures between 1,200 and 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit (650 and 1,260 degrees Celsius), are also used in small numbers. FRCI is used in a few areas and TUCI is used on the extreme back of the Orbiter, near the engines. The forward nose cap is made of a material called Reinforced Carbon Carbon, or RCC. RCC covers the highest temperature areas of the Shuttle and is also used on the leading edges of the wings.

read all about it at http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/TPS/Tech41.htm

which is one of many sites on the subject "space shuttle ceramic tiles"..
Jayen.