![]() ![]() Another feature seen on Discovery is little white-outlined circles usually near the center of each tile. The tile block would then be treated and baked and prepared for installation. When a tile was damaged in flight or on the ground, a tile specialist entered that tile’s code into a computer, which would then command the CAD/CAM system to cut a new tile to that exact spec. Tile technicians used print-out maps of the tile array and colored markers during inspections to mark the locations of tiles needing attention. Each tile belongs in its own unique place it’s like a 24,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Each of the approximately 24,000 tiles on an orbiter has a unique location and serial number that is stenciled on it. Yes, you are right about the fascinating detail visible on Discovery, especially in the tiles. It is indeed a national treasure, and it is truly a privilege to work here. Thank you for the nice comments about the Smithsonian. Whatever the origin, these tiles are distinctive to Discovery. It is unclear whether those tiles were intended to be black or were a harmless mistake. The other orbiters have white tiles there. You will notice a single black tile under window #2 (port) and a set of four black tiles under window 5 (starboard). One fact about Discovery that is not widely noticed or well explained is that Discovery has an unusual tile configuration around its forward windows. Fortunately, as curator, I needed to inspect the vehicle, so I have been inside Discovery so has a conservator and a photographer. Unfortunately, we don’t allow visitors inside our historic air and spacecraft because the wear and tear caused by millions of visitors per year would be too damaging, plus most of them are hard to climb into! Staff who have work to do, a restoration specialist for example, occasionally go inside. The interior is very clean, almost pristine, with minor scuffs here and there but no significant wear. Many of the thermal blankets on the fuselage are discolored, more beige than white, from exposure. Many of the thousands of heat shield tiles are streaked and faded from the heat of reentry in fact you can see the angle of attack in white streaks that appear to be airbrushed on the tiles. That is where you really see evidence of 39 trips to space and back. ![]() The most noticeable wear and tear on the outside of Discovery is on the tiles and blankets. Great lead-off questions to get us started! Previous AMAs | Previous Roundtables Featuresįeature posts are posted weekly. May 25th | Panel AMA with /r/AskBibleScholars Please Subscribe to our Google Calendar for Upcoming AMAs and Events To nominate someone else as a Quality Contributor, message the mods. Our flaired users have detailed knowledge of their historical specialty and a proven record of excellent contributions to /r/AskHistorians. Please Read and Understand the Rules Before Contributing. Report Comments That Break Reddiquette or the Subreddit Rules. Serious On-Topic Comments Only: No Jokes, Anecdotes, Clutter, or other Digressions. Provide Primary and Secondary Sources If Asked. Write Original, In-Depth and Comprehensive Answers, Using Good Historical Practices. Questions should be clear and specific in what they ask, and should be able to get detailed answers from historians whose expertise is likely to be in particular times and places. Nothing Less Than 20 Years Old, and Don't Soapbox. Be Nice: No Racism, Bigotry, or Offensive Behavior. Downvote and Report comments that are unhelpful or grossly off-topic.Upvote informative, well sourced answers.Your support will help fund exhibitions, educational programming, and preservation efforts.New to /r/AskHistorians? Please read our subreddit rules and FAQ before posting! Apply for Flair Programs Learning resources Plan a field trip Educator professional development Education monthly theme Stories Topics Collections On demand For researchersīring the Air and Space Museum to your learners, wherever you are. National Air and Space Museum in DC Udvar-Hazy Center in VA Plan a field trip Plan a group visitĭiscover our exhibitions and participate in programs both in person or virtually.īrowse our collections, stories, research, and on demand content. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC. Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. ![]()
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