1,260
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
2,300°F
0.04-0.07
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.14-0.35
KG/M³
DENSITY
25-127 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
9.0 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
1
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
HRSI (High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation) is a ceramic tile thermal protection system by Lockheed Martin. Rated to 1,260°C. Status: Retired (Shuttle).
ABOUT HRSI (HIGH-TEMPERATURE REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION)
HRSI tiles are the black-coated high-temperature tiles that covered the Shuttle’s underside and other areas experiencing the most intense heating during reentry. The black borosilicate glass coating (RCG) provides high emissivity to radiate heat away efficiently. HRSI tiles protected surfaces reaching up to 1260°C.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeCeramic Tile
Max Temperature1,260°C (2,300°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.04-0.07 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.14-0.35 kg/m³
Thickness25-127 mm
Mass per Area9.0 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
LI-900 or LI-2200 substrate with black RCG borosilicate coating
VEHICLES USING HRSI (HIGH-TEMPERATURE REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION)
Space Shuttle (lower fuselage, wing undersides)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSTS-1 (Columbia)
First FlightApril 12, 1981
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
StatusRetired (Shuttle)
