1,260
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
2,300°F
0.04
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.14
KG/M³
DENSITY
25-127 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
3.5-17.8 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
1
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
LI-900 Silica Tiles is a ceramic tile thermal protection system by Lockheed Missiles & Space Company. Rated to 1,260°C. Status: Retired (Shuttle).
ABOUT LI-900 SILICA TILES
LI-900 is a lightweight silica ceramic tile that formed the primary thermal protection on the Space Shuttle’s underside. Made from 99.9% pure silica fibers, the tiles are 94% air by volume and incredibly effective insulators. Over 20,000 individually shaped tiles covered each Shuttle orbiter, each one unique to its position.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeCeramic Tile
Max Temperature1,260°C (2,300°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.04 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.14 kg/m³
Thickness25-127 mm
Mass per Area3.5-17.8 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
99.9% amorphous silica fibers with borosilicate glass coating (RCG)
VEHICLES USING LI-900 SILICA TILES
Space Shuttle (lower surface)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSTS-1 (Columbia)
First FlightApril 12, 1981
ManufacturerLockheed Missiles & Space Company
StatusRetired (Shuttle)
