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Name: FRCI-12 Rigid Tile
Database: NASA Ames Thermal Protection Materials
Category: Silicon-Based Reusable Composites: Rigid Ceramic Tiles
Composition: Approximately 78% wt. silica (SiO2), 22% wt. aluminoborosilicate (62% Al2O3, 24% SiO2, 14% B2O3)
Manufacturer: Boeing, Forrest Machining, United Space Alliance (USA)
Technical Readiness Level: 8
Last Modified: 2001-10-01

Description:

• FRCI-12 is a relatively low density (~12 lbs/cu.ft.), low thermal conductivity fibrous insulation material that is substantially stronger than the original LI-900 and equivalent in strength to LI-2200 at a lower density. It was baselined for use on all of the shuttle orbiters. It has been flying successfully on the shuttle since its adoption shortly after the second orbiter Challenger was built.

Point of Contact:

• Daniel Leiser
• NASA Ames Research Center
• dleiser@mail.arc.nasa.gov