
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - 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 Dan Kenna, Jim Landy, Paul Ogletree and Dan Phillips. 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 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.
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NASA ID
KSC-03pd2635
Date Created
September 9, 2003
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
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