The Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) and Leading Edge Structural Subsystem (LESS) materials, design approaches associated with each material, and the lessons learned and operational performance experienced during 135 flights are described. The overall Space Shuttle Program proved that the thermal and structural design requirements were overall successful for the thermal protection system. Lessons learned from 135 flights are documented so that they can be applied to future human spaceflight systems.
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