# Temperature Tiles (DD-754)

> The Space Shuttle's thermal protection system used about 24,300 tiles, mostly silica-fiber ceramic, to shield the orbiter during reentry. The highest-temperature tiles were rated for about 1,260 degrees Celsius, and because the material is largely empty space it conducts heat so poorly that a tile glowing hot in the middle can be held at the edges moments after leaving a furnace. The footage, credited to asgardia_space, shows a tile being heated and then held by hand.

- Department: Space (also Tech)
- First published: 2026-10-19
- Last updated: 2026-10-19
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/temperature-tiles/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-754-F01**: About 24,300. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Count))_
- **DD-754-F02**: Silica fiber. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Material))_

## Write-up

Shuttle tiles could glow red-hot yet be held by the edges. They were mostly empty space.

1. **Count**: About 24,300.
2. **Material**: Silica fiber.
3. **Rating**: About 1,260 C.
4. **Structure**: Mostly empty space.
5. **Use**: Reentry shield.

## Related case files

- [It IS Rocket Science (DD-257)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/it-is-rocket-science/): I linked more spacecraft

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Temperature Tiles: Shuttle Tiles Could Glow Red-Hot yet Be Held by the Edges

- Duration: 23.6 s · Published: 2026-10-19
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DermmblxP6o.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know? Spacecraft thermal protection tiles can withstand temperatures exceeding 1,260 degrees Celsius while remaining cool enough underneath to protect the vehicle structure. The space shuttle used approximately 24,300 individual tiles, made primarily from silica fibers. With each tile containing an enormous amount of microscopic empty space, that dramatically reduces heat conduction. You can even hold one in your hand. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Tile count?**  
A: Orbiter. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Count) · Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system)_

**Q: Main material?**  
A: Ceramic. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Material) · Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system)_

**Q: Rated to?**  
A: HRSI. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Rating) · Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system)_

**Q: Why poor conductor?**  
A: Porous. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Structure) · Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system)_

**Q: Purpose?**  
A: Heat. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Use) · Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Space Shuttle thermal protection system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_thermal_protection_system)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Temperature Tiles." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-754, last updated Oct 19, 2026. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/temperature-tiles/