WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers share the task of examining a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. From left are Paul Ogletree, Jim Landy (kneeling), Dan Phillips and Dan Kenna. Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250 degrees F to about 3,000 degrees F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.