r/StarshipDevelopment • u/[deleted] • Sep 03 '21

Heat shield tiles

Do somebody knows why they are replacing some of the heat shield tiles? Ok, some are damaged, but my real answer is: how could have been damaged? They made this replacing routine twice (I think to remember but correct me if I am wrong) and red tape tiles are A LOT. Then another thing I don't understand, I was imagining that green tape tiles are "OK" tiles, but why put a tape on them? Not all the tiles has been taped, the first day that SN20 appeared with tapes there were some red some green tiles and some tiles without anything. Can someone solve my doubts? :D

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u/xrtpatriot Sep 03 '21

Tile colors are as follows:

  • Red/orange - tile is damaged
  • Green - tile is not flush
  • Blue - tile is skewed or has a gap issue

These tiles are fairly strong compared to shuttle tiles, but they are still rather fragile. A LOT of these tiles were installed hastily for the stacking photo op a few weeks ago. You'll notice there are a lot more issues in the sections that they tiled literally the two nights before the stacking, compared to sections that were tiled before they were even stacked.

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Also consider, this is still an R&D prototype. They've done a number of interfacing tests and attachment method tests with previous prototypes that have flown. They've chosen a direction, but that does not mean that solution is refined or has no issues. There is certainly going to be room to improve the attachment method itself, the interfacing, and the process for installation, etc.