1,650
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
3,000°F
40.0
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
1.60
KG/M³
DENSITY
6-12 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
12.8 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
2
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) is a refractory composite thermal protection system by LTV Aerospace / Lockheed Martin. Rated to 1,650°C. Status: Retired (Shuttle).
ABOUT REINFORCED CARBON-CARBON (RCC)
Reinforced Carbon-Carbon is a composite material consisting of carbon fiber reinforcement in a carbon matrix, capable of withstanding temperatures above 1650°C. RCC protected the Space Shuttle’s nose cap and wing leading edges during reentry. The loss of RCC panels on Columbia’s left wing leading edge caused the tragic STS-107 accident.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeRefractory Composite
Max Temperature1,650°C (3,000°F)
Thermal Conductivity40.0 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density1.60 kg/m³
Thickness6-12 mm
Mass per Area12.8 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Carbon fiber layers in pyrolized carbon matrix with SiC coating
VEHICLES USING REINFORCED CARBON-CARBON (RCC)
Space Shuttle (nose cap, wing leading edges)
X-37B
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSTS-1 (Columbia)
First FlightApril 12, 1981
ManufacturerLTV Aerospace / Lockheed Martin
StatusRetired (Shuttle)
OTHER REFRACTORY COMPOSITE TPS
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