The problem with the space shuttle shedding tiles has been an on going concern, a problem which should have been fixed years ago but was not due to cut backs in research and development budgets. This problem needs to be fixed now, because unless we forever solve the tile problem, future space transport vehicles using the same technology will be in jeopardy.

Perhaps there is a better way to insulate reentry vehicles from the extreme heat generated when a space craft plunges back to Earth through the atmosphere. Instead of using a single layer of thick silica tiles held on with just glue, how about using four to six layers of thin tiles made like LEGOs, spaced one atop the other in a lattice, such that the seams produced by one layer of tiles are covered by the next layer of tiles! Because these tiles would be clipped-locked and sealed on to the metallic surface of the wing, each layer of tile clip-locking and sealing in place with the next layer, this would forever solve the tile shedding problem. Even if an upper layer tile were lost or damaged, there would be backup layers of tiles beneath to provide protection.

Such simple and innovative concepts need to be tested. Moreover, we need to be pouring dollars into education that our children will be able to solve technical problem like these which may crop up in the future. Unless we educate the children of today, teaching them how to solve problems that do not have known solutions, lives are going to continue to be lost to failure of systems.

Tragedies like those which occurred with Columbia can be avoided. But to meet the challenge of space exploration we must be willing to fully fund education, to fully fund the space program and to press forward to develop and implement new technology. As it is we are gambling with the lives of our astronauts, depending upon 30 year old patchwork technology, when we should have already built, tested and implemented the next generation of reusable space transport vehicles.

Sincerely,
Terry Lynch
Date: 4 Feb., 2003

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