WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

In the Thermal Protection System Facility, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (center) looks at a Dome Heat Shield blanket that is used for Shuttle engines. From left is Glen Mahone, acting director for NASA Public Affairs, Jim Kennedy, deputy director of Kennedy Space Center, O'Keefe, Lee Zook, project leader, and Chuck Fontana, associate program manager, Integrated Logistics. O'Keefe is visiting the site to learn more about the TPS products and process in protecting orbiters from the intense heat of launch and re-entry. TPS tiles have been discussed in the investigation into the Columbia tragedy that destroyed the orbiter and claimed the lives of seven astronauts.