{ "spore": "profile", "id": "aetb-8-tile", "spore_version": "0.2", "family": "silica", "name": "AETB-8 rigid tile (alumina enhanced thermal barrier)", "abbreviation": "AETB-8", "role": "Reusable rigid insulation tile for the Space Shuttle orbiter base heat shield, re-qualified with modern fibres", "category": "thermal-protection", "type": "reusable-tiles", "summary": "AETB-8 is a rigid reusable insulation tile of the alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB) family. NASA's TPSX database gives a measured density of 1.28e+02 kg/m^3 for uncoated tile and a predicted through-the-thickness thermal conductivity of 6.84e-02 W/m-K. NASA's 2025 Ames deck says AETB is used up to 1537 degC (2800 degF) and has about 95% porosity. In the deck's tests, tiles cast from modern fibres measured 63.9 psi in-plane tensile strength (against a 65 psi or more specification) and 30.7 psi through-the-thickness strength (against 35 psi or more).\n", "best_for": "Reusable insulation on the hot base of a re-entry vehicle, where low density and low thermal conductivity matter more than strength. NASA's TPSX database says AETB-8 flew in the Shuttle base heat shield.", "weakest_at": "Through-the-thickness tensile strength. The 2025 NASA deck reports 30.7 psi for modern-fibre tiles against a 35 psi or more specification, so strength is the open issue NASA is working on.", "identity": { "formula": "Silica-alumina fibrous ceramic tile. TPSX composition as printed: 68% SiO2, 20% Al2O3, and 12% of an aluminoborosilicate fibre (14% B2O3, 72% Al2O3, 14% SiO2).", "designations": [], "source": "tpsx-aetb8", "where": "Material page header, Composition line (TPSX Material id=5). Constituent fibres from the 2025 NASA deck, PDF page 5 (Nextel-312, Saffil alumina, Q-fiber silica and silicon carbide)." }, "tags": { "environments": [ "re-entry" ], "stresses": [ "extreme-heat" ], "applications": [ "heat-shields" ] }, "properties": [ { "benchmark": "density", "label": "Density, modern-fibre billets (2025 deck)", "value": 7.9, "bound": "exact", "unit": "pcf", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "modern fibres", "uncertainty": "±0.1 pcf", "unit_note": "printed in pcf, not converted" }, "method": "Measured density of cast billets, as printed in the heritage-versus-modern table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Modern row", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "density", "label": "Density, heritage-fibre billets (2025 deck)", "value": 7.8, "bound": "exact", "unit": "pcf", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "heritage fibres", "uncertainty": "±0.1 pcf", "unit_note": "printed in pcf, not converted" }, "method": "Measured density of cast billets, as printed in the heritage-versus-modern table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Heritage row", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "thermal_conductivity", "label": "Thermal conductivity, through-the-thickness (TPSX)", "value": 0.0684, "bound": "exact", "unit": "W/m-K", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "direction": "through-the-thickness", "basis": "dynamic values for transient environments from a curve fit to measured values, extrapolated above 1533 K (note 2)", "uncertainty": "3.42e-03" }, "method": "Listed as predicted in the TPSX table (Source column), not measured", "status": "calculated", "source": "tpsx-aetb8", "where": "Properties at Standard Conditions table, Thermal Conductivity (Thru-the-Thickness) row (note 2)", "source_detail": { "title": "NASA TPSX Materials Database: AETB-8 Rigid Tile", "id": "NASA Ames Thermal Protection Materials database, material id 5", "url": "https://tpsx.arc.nasa.gov/Material?id=5", "year": 2006, "kind": "database", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "emissivity", "label": "Emissivity, uncoated tile (TPSX)", "value": 0.899, "bound": "exact", "unit": "-", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "state": "uncoated tile", "temperature": "room temperature; higher-temperature values are extrapolated (note 4)", "uncertainty": "4.49e-02" }, "method": "Listed as measured at room temperature in the TPSX table (Source column)", "status": "ground", "source": "tpsx-aetb8", "where": "Properties at Standard Conditions table, Emissivity row (note 4)", "source_detail": { "title": "NASA TPSX Materials Database: AETB-8 Rigid Tile", "id": "NASA Ames Thermal Protection Materials database, material id 5", "url": "https://tpsx.arc.nasa.gov/Material?id=5", "year": 2006, "kind": "database", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "max_service_temp", "label": "Used-up-to temperature (2025 deck)", "value": 1537, "bound": "exact", "unit": "degC", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "statement": "used up to this temperature, as stated in the deck; not a failure test", "printed_as": "1537oC (2800oF)" }, "method": "Statement in the deck's AETB overview slide, not a measurement table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 5, Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB) slide, bullet 'Used up to'", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "porosity", "label": "Porosity (2025 deck, approximate)", "value": 95, "bound": "exact", "unit": "%", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "qualifier": "approximate, printed as ~95%" }, "method": "Statement in the deck's AETB overview slide, not a measurement table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 5, Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB) slide, bullet 'Thermally insulative with ~95% porosity'", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "label": "Ultimate tensile strength, in-plane, modern fibres (2025 deck)", "value": 63.9, "bound": "exact", "unit": "psi", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "modern fibres", "sample_count": 46, "uncertainty": "±5.8 psi", "specification": "all samples 65 psi or more, as printed in the deck" }, "method": "Measured in the deck's heritage-versus-modern table; tensile testing followed ASTM D 1623 (PDF page 9)", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Modern row, IP", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "label": "Ultimate tensile strength, through-the-thickness, modern fibres (2025 deck)", "value": 30.7, "bound": "exact", "unit": "psi", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "modern fibres", "sample_count": 75, "uncertainty": "±2.7 psi", "specification": "all samples 35 psi or more, as printed in the deck" }, "method": "Measured in the deck's heritage-versus-modern table; tensile testing followed ASTM D 1623 (PDF page 9)", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Modern row, TTT", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "label": "Ultimate tensile strength, in-plane, heritage fibres (2025 deck)", "value": 63.4, "bound": "exact", "unit": "psi", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "heritage fibres (raw materials bought for the Shuttle programme in the 1990s)", "sample_count": 9, "uncertainty": "±17.0 psi", "specification": "all samples 65 psi or more, as printed in the deck" }, "method": "Measured in the deck's heritage-versus-modern table; tensile testing followed ASTM D 1623 (PDF page 9)", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Heritage row, IP", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "label": "Ultimate tensile strength, through-the-thickness, heritage fibres (2025 deck)", "value": 34.9, "bound": "exact", "unit": "psi", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "fibre": "heritage fibres (raw materials bought for the Shuttle programme in the 1990s)", "sample_count": 8, "uncertainty": "±6.6 psi", "specification": "all samples 35 psi or more, as printed in the deck" }, "method": "Measured in the deck's heritage-versus-modern table; tensile testing followed ASTM D 1623 (PDF page 9)", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7, Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers table, Heritage row, TTT", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "density", "label": "Density, bottom of as-fired billet, cold setter plate (2025 deck)", "value": 7.6, "bound": "exact", "unit": "pcf", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "setter_plate": "cold (room-temperature LI-2200 setter plate)", "billet_location": "bottom (as-fired)", "uncertainty": "±0.06 pcf", "unit_note": "printed in pcf, not converted" }, "method": "Measured density of the as-fired billet at the bottom location, as printed in the firing-process table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 14 (Firing Process table, printed slide 15), Cold Setter Plate, Bottom column, Density (pcf) row", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "density", "label": "Density, bottom of as-fired billet, hot setter plate (2025 deck)", "value": 8.8, "bound": "exact", "unit": "pcf", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "setter_plate": "hot (D-tube loading, hot furnace hearth)", "billet_location": "bottom (as-fired)", "uncertainty": "±0.07 pcf", "unit_note": "printed in pcf, not converted" }, "method": "Measured density of the as-fired billet at the bottom location, as printed in the firing-process table", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 14 (Firing Process table, printed slide 15), Hot Setter Plate, Bottom column, Density (pcf) row", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } }, { "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "label": "Ultimate tensile strength, through-the-thickness, bottom of as-fired billet, cold setter plate (2025 deck)", "value": 20, "bound": "exact", "unit": "psi", "scope": "material", "conditions": { "setter_plate": "cold (room-temperature LI-2200 setter plate)", "billet_location": "bottom (as-fired)", "direction": "through-the-thickness", "uncertainty": "±4.7 psi", "unit_note": "printed in psi, not converted" }, "method": "Measured, as printed in the firing-process table; the deck states the TTT strength is more sensitive to firing than the in-plane strength", "status": "ground", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 14 (Firing Process table, printed slide 15), Cold Setter Plate, Bottom column, TTT UTS (psi) row", "source_detail": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" } } ], "corrosion": [ { "environment": "Firing of the cast billet (process, not service)", "headline": "Firing left a property gradient near the bottom of the as-fired billet, which NASA says it identified and mitigated.", "effect": "NASA's 2025 deck reports the largest property variation near the bottom of the as-fired billet and says a firing-induced property gradient was identified and mitigated. The deck gives no number for the size of the gradient.", "rating": "moderate", "conditions": { "process": "firing of cast AETB billets in the furnace, up to 2400 degF (deck PDF page 6)" }, "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF pages 12, 13 and 17 (Property Variation Within Billet; Firing Process; Summary)" }, { "environment": "Heating to the use limit and cooling, repeated over flights", "headline": "NASA's 2025 deck says AETB has lower thermally induced shrinkage than the earlier LI and FRCI tile generations.", "effect": "The deck states that AETB has lower thermally induced shrinkage than earlier tile generations (LI- and FRCI). It gives no shrinkage number, so the comparison is qualitative.", "rating": "low", "conditions": { "basis": "qualitative statement in the deck; no test conditions given" }, "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 5, Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB) slide, bullet 'Lower thermally induced shrinkage'" }, { "environment": "Reuse over many flights (predicted, not flight-measured)", "headline": "TPSX predicts a reuse limit of 1.00e+02 flights, predicted from arcjet and flight test data.", "effect": "TPSX lists a reuse flight limit of 1.00e+02 flights, labelled as predicted. It is not a measured service life for AETB-8, and the page does not give the test conditions behind the prediction.", "rating": "moderate", "conditions": { "basis": "prediction from arcjet and flight test data (TPSX note 9)" }, "source": "tpsx-aetb8", "where": "Properties at Standard Conditions table, Reuse Flight Limit row (note 9)" } ], "risks": { "hazards": [ { "text": "No safety data sheet for AETB-8 tile itself was found. A supplier safety data sheet for a refractory ceramic fibre (alumino-silicate wool) product states the hazard statement 'May cause cancer by inhalation (H350i)' with signal word Danger and pictogram GHS08. This is a class-level entry for the fibre family, not an AETB-8 classification.", "ghs": [ "H350i" ], "source": "cerafelt-sds-103", "where": "Hazard pictogram, signal word and hazard statement block at the start of the SDS (SDS 103, last revised 26 February 2025)" }, { "text": "The same refractory ceramic fibre SDS gives IARC's overall evaluation as 'Refractory Ceramic Fibres are possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B)' and a NIOSH recommended exposure level of '0.5 f/ml (TWA)', with further action advised above 0.25 f/ml. The SDS cites NIOSH's 2006 criteria document as the source; that document was not read in this run.", "ghs": [], "source": "cerafelt-sds-103", "where": "Carcinogenicity text and the exposure guidelines section of SDS 103" }, { "text": "PubChem's record for silica (CID 24261), one constituent of the AETB family, lists its primary hazards as 'Not Classified'. This is a constituent record, not a classification of AETB-8.", "ghs": [], "source": "pubchem-silica", "where": "Safety and Hazards, Primary Hazards (reference 99)" } ], "failure_risks": [ { "mode": "Low through-the-thickness tensile strength in modern-fibre tiles", "trigger": "Early casting runs with modern fibres, before the later process changes", "consequence": "Through-the-thickness strength of 30.7 psi (75 samples) against a specification of 35 psi or more; in-plane mean of 63.9 psi against 65 psi or more. The deck says further process work is needed to meet specification.", "severity": "moderate", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 7 (Initial Production Using Heritage vs Modern Fibers) and page 17 (Summary)" }, { "mode": "Property gradient in the bottom of the as-fired billet", "trigger": "Firing of the cast billet; the largest variation is near the bottom of the as-fired billet", "consequence": "The largest property variation in the billet is near the bottom (as-fired). The deck says the gradient was identified and mitigated, but gives no number for it.", "severity": "low", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 12 (Property Variation Within Billet) and page 13 (Firing Process)" } ], "side_effects": [], "handling": [], "mitigations": [ { "text": "The deck says preliminary process improvements have resulted in significantly improved through-the-thickness tensile strength, achieving heritage specifications. No number is given for the improved value.", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 17 (Summary)" } ] }, "uses": [ { "application": "heat-shields", "device": "Space Shuttle orbiter base heat shield (flown)", "example": "TPSX says AETB-8 is flying successfully in the base heatshield, with improved performance relative to the original LI-900 tile.", "source": "tpsx-aetb8", "where": "Description section of the TPSX Material page" }, { "application": "heat-shields", "device": "Orion capsule backshell (fabricated tiles; flight use not stated in the source)", "example": "The 2025 deck shows an AETB-8 tile fabricated for the Orion backshell. The deck says Orion uses the Shuttle TPS starting point for its backshell, for different reasons.", "source": "ntrs-caldwell-irtps", "where": "PDF page 5 (photo caption 'AETB-8 fabricated for Orion backshell') and page 3 (Background)" } ], "supply": [ { "subject": "Silicon (silicon carbide and silica constituents)", "abundance": "The USGS silicon chapter describes world and domestic resources for silicon metal and alloys as abundant. China accounted for almost 80% of estimated global silicon-materials production in 2025.", "producers": [], "critical_lists": [ { "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (silicon added in 2025)", "listed": true } ], "recycling": "USGS silicon chapter: recycling 'Insignificant'.", "substitutes": [ "USGS: gallium arsenide and germanium are the principal substitutes for silicon in semiconductor and infrared applications." ], "source": "usgs-mcs2026-silicon", "where": "Events, Trends, and Issues (China almost 80%); World Resources; Recycling; Substitutes; Critical minerals note. The USGS silicon chapter does not cover silicon carbide or alumina fibre by name." }, { "subject": "Aluminium metal (context only; the alumina fibre in AETB is not covered by this chapter)", "abundance": "USGS: global resources of bauxite are estimated at 55 billion to 75 billion tons.", "producers": [ { "country": "China", "share_percent": 60.8, "year": 2025 }, { "country": "India", "share_percent": 5.7, "year": 2025 }, { "country": "Russia", "share_percent": 5.3, "year": 2025 }, { "country": "Canada", "share_percent": 4.5, "year": 2025 } ], "critical_lists": [], "recycling": "USGS: aluminum recovered from purchased scrap in the United States was about 3.6 million tons in 2025.", "substitutes": [ "USGS: composites can substitute for aluminum in aircraft fuselages and wings." ], "source": "usgs-mcs2026-aluminum", "where": "World Smelter Production and Capacity table, 2025e (China 45,000 of a 74,000 thousand t world total; India 4,200, Russia 3,900 and Canada 3,300 thousand t). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the 74,000 world total, rounded to one decimal." } ], "media": [], "documents": [ { "title": "NASA TPSX Materials Database: AETB-8 Rigid Tile (Material id=5)", "type": "database", "url": "https://tpsx.arc.nasa.gov/Material?id=5", "year": 2006 }, { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), NASA Ames, 2025 (NTRS 20250000871)", "type": "report", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025 }, { "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Silicon", "type": "report", "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-silicon.pdf", "year": 2026 }, { "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum", "type": "report", "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf", "year": 2026 }, { "title": "NASA AETB modernization slides, NTRS 20240000772 (2024)", "type": "report", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20240000772/downloads/CMS24%20Caldwell.pdf", "year": 2024 }, { "title": "Safety Data Sheet SDS 103, Cerafelt refractory ceramic fibre products (Morgan Thermal Ceramics)", "type": "sds", "url": "https://morganthermalceramics.com/media/zojnxex5/103-ghs-uae.pdf", "year": 2025 }, { "title": "PubChem compound record: Silica (CID 24261)", "type": "database", "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/24261/JSON" } ], "gaps": [ "X-33: the brief names X-33 flights, but no page read in this run (TPSX, the 2025 deck, Wikipedia or the USGS chapters) mentions X-33. The 2025 deck names the X-37B and Orion instead. X-33 is left out.", "Hazards: no safety data sheet for AETB-8 tile itself was found. The hazard entries are class-level: a refractory ceramic fibre SDS (SDS 103, Cerafelt, which lists H350i) and the PubChem silica record (not classified). The PubChem compound page for silica returned a browser check, so its record was read through the PubChem REST endpoint.", "NIOSH 2006 criteria document (DHHS 2006-123): the PDF was not reachable in this run, so the 0.5 f/ml TWA exposure level is taken from SDS 103, which cites that document. It is a secondary citation.", "TPSX values printed in exponent notation (specific heat 6.28e+02 J/kg-K, multiple use temperature limit 1.64e+03 K, single use limit 1.81e+03 K, tensile and modulus values in Pa, and the reuse limit) are left out of the properties list, per the brief on exponent notation. The reuse limit is kept in corrosion with its printed value.", "Handling and storage instructions for AETB-8 tile were not found in any source held.", "Corrosion, moisture and chemical resistance of AETB-8 were not found. The deck and TPSX do not describe coatings, waterproofing or environmental ageing for this grade.", "Porosity: TPSX does not list porosity. The ~95% value is from the 2025 deck (PDF page 5) and is approximate.", "Emissivity, porosity and reuse flight limit are not in spores/property-canon.yaml. Short snake_case names are used, as the brief allows.", "TPSX values are old: the page is last modified 2001-10-01 and the table rows 2006-01-05, before the 2025 modern-fibre work. TPSX does not say which fibre lot or billet the values are for.", "Predicted values (TPSX Source column 'predicted') are marked calculated, not ground.", "TPSX and the 2025 deck give different tensile values for through-the-thickness strength (TPSX 3.79e+05 Pa; deck 30.7 psi for modern fibres). Both are kept with their sources and are not converted to each other.", "The deck's density range of 0.13 to 0.32 g/cc (AETB-8, -12, -17 and -20 pcf) covers the family, not AETB-8 alone, so it is not used as a property.", "Designations: no UNS, EN, ASTM or other grade code was found for AETB-8; the name AETB-8 is the only designation in the sources.", "Supply of the AETB constituents (Nextel-312, Saffil alumina fibre, Q-fiber, silicon carbide) was not found. The USGS aluminum chapter covers metal, not alumina fibre, and the USGS alumina and silicon carbide chapters were not read.", "Producers: TPSX names Boeing, Forrest Machining and United Space Alliance as manufacturers, but no country shares for AETB tile were found.", "Media: no image with a usable licence was read in this run, so no media entries are included." ], "story": { "why": "AETB-8 is a rigid reusable insulation tile from the alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB) family. TPSX states that it is flying successfully in the Shuttle base heat shield, with improved performance relative to the original LI-900 tile. NASA is now re-qualifying the material with modern raw materials, because the 2025 deck reports that tiles made from modern fibres had reduced mechanical properties in early tests. Those raw materials are compared against \"heritage\" fibres, meaning the raw materials NASA bought for the Shuttle programme in the 1990s. NASA's 2024 AETB modernization slides list AETB-8 among the current HRSI tile materials, with LI-900 described as essentially obsolete.", "uses": [ { "where": "Shuttle orbiter base heat shield", "line": "TPSX states that AETB-8 is flying successfully in the base heatshield. TPSX also says it performs better than the original LI-900 tile." }, { "where": "Orion capsule backshell", "line": "The 2025 deck shows AETB-8 fabricated for the Orion backshell. The deck does not say that the tile has flown on Orion." } ], "can_do": [ { "label": "Density", "line": "Uncoated AETB-8 tile has a density of 1.28e+02 kg/m^3, listed as measured by TPSX. The 2025 deck prints 7.9 ± 0.1 pcf for modern-fibre billets.", "benchmark": "density", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Insulation", "line": "TPSX predicts a through-the-thickness thermal conductivity of 6.84e-02 W/m-K, from a curve fit that is extrapolated above 1533 K.", "benchmark": "thermal_conductivity", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Use temperature", "line": "The 2025 deck says AETB is used up to 1537 degC (2800 degF).", "benchmark": "max_service_temp", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Strength", "line": "Modern-fibre billets in the 2025 deck measure 63.9 ± 5.8 psi in-plane (46 samples) and 30.7 ± 2.7 psi through-the-thickness (75 samples). Both are reported with their specifications.", "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Reuse", "line": "TPSX predicts a reuse limit of 1.00e+02 flights, predicted from arcjet and flight test data.", "benchmark": "reuse_flight_limit", "scope": "material" } ], "compare": "AETB-8 is a low-density silica tile. TPSX lists its uncoated density as 1.28e+02 kg/m^3, measured. Wikipedia gives its own density figures for the black LI-900 silica tile and for FRCI tiles; they come from different tests and are not directly comparable with the TPSX value. TPSX states that AETB-8 has higher temperature capability and better processing dimensional stability than the earlier tiles it lists, including FRCI-12 and LI-900. For through-the-thickness strength, TPSX lists 3.79e+05 Pa as measured, and the 2025 deck lists 30.7 psi for modern fibres and 34.9 psi for heritage fibres; these are different tests and dates, so the values are not converted to each other. The deck says the heritage and modern tensile strengths were statistically equivalent at a 95% confidence interval (PDF page 7).", "compare_rows": [ { "label": "Density", "benchmark": "density", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Use temperature", "benchmark": "max_service_temp", "scope": "material" }, { "label": "Tensile strength", "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength", "scope": "material" } ], "handling": [ "No storage or handling instructions for AETB-8 were found in the sources read." ], "good_for": [ "Low density and low thermal conductivity on a hot, reusable base heat shield, as flown on the Shuttle (TPSX).", "Use up to 1537 degC (2800 degF), as stated in NASA's 2025 deck." ], "watch_out": [ "Through-the-thickness strength: the 2025 deck reports 30.7 ± 2.7 psi for modern-fibre tiles against a specification of 35 psi or more.", "In-plane strength: the modern-fibre mean is 63.9 psi against a specification of 65 psi or more.", "Most thermal and temperature-limit values are predicted by TPSX, and the TPSX property table dates from 2001 to 2006." ], "verdict": "AETB-8 is a flight-proven, low-density reusable insulation tile with a use temperature of 1537 degC (2800 degF) stated by NASA. Its strength is still the open issue: the 2025 deck says modern-fibre tiles need further process work to meet the through-the-thickness specification.", "recipe": { "line": "AETB-8 is a fibre composite tile, not a single compound. TPSX prints its composition as 68% SiO2, 20% Al2O3 and 12% aluminoborosilicate fibre. The 2025 deck's process flow is fibres, water and additives blended in a V-blender, cast in a casting tower, dried in an oven and fired in a furnace up to 2400 degF.", "parts": [ { "name": "Silica", "symbol": "SiO2", "role": "Largest constituent by mass per the TPSX composition line. The deck's AETB list also names silica (Q-fiber) fibres.", "share_percent": 68 }, { "name": "Alumina", "symbol": "Al2O3", "role": "Alumina component named in the TPSX composition line. The deck lists alumina fibres (Saffil) as a constituent of AETB.", "share_percent": 20 }, { "name": "Aluminoborosilicate fibre (Nextel-type)", "role": "TPSX prints this fraction as 14% B2O3, 72% Al2O3 and 14% SiO2. The deck names it as Nextel-312 and reports that its pre-firing changes billet texture and tensile strength.", "share_percent": 12 } ] }, "risk_groups": [ { "title": "For people", "lead": "We did not find a safety data sheet for AETB-8 tile itself. A refractory ceramic fibre SDS (alumino-silicate wool, SDS 103) carries the H350i statement, and this profile uses it as a class-level entry for the fibre family, not an AETB-8 classification.", "points": [ { "label": "Inhalation", "line": "The refractory ceramic fibre SDS says 'May cause cancer by inhalation (H350i)'. IARC places refractory ceramic fibres in group 2B, and the SDS gives a NIOSH recommended exposure level of 0.5 f/ml (TWA). Check the supplier's SDS for the AETB-8 product before cutting, grinding or handling the tile." } ], "level": 0, "verdict": "Carcinogen label for the fibre family (H350i)" }, { "title": "If the tile overheats", "lead": "The sources give use temperatures, not failure data for this tile.", "points": [ { "label": "Used up to", "line": "NASA's 2025 deck says AETB is used up to 1537 degC (2800 degF)." }, { "label": "Above the limit", "line": "No test of AETB-8 above this limit was found in the sources read." } ] }, { "title": "Handling and storage", "points": [ { "label": "Not found", "line": "No storage or handling instructions for AETB-8 were found in the sources read." } ] } ] }, "updated": "2026-11-01", "review": { "status": "draft", "method": "assistant", "checked_values": 13, "unreachable": 1, "caveats": 3, "note": "Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the NASA TPSX page, the 2025 NASA Ames IRTPS deck, the 2024 NASA AETB modernization slides, the Wikipedia shuttle TPS article, two USGS 2026 chapters, a refractory ceramic fibre SDS (SDS 103) and the PubChem silica record. The hazard entries are class-level, not AETB-8 classifications. The NIOSH 2006 criteria document was not reachable." }, "sources": { "tpsx-aetb8": { "title": "NASA TPSX Materials Database: AETB-8 Rigid Tile", "id": "NASA Ames Thermal Protection Materials database, material id 5", "url": "https://tpsx.arc.nasa.gov/Material?id=5", "year": 2006, "kind": "database", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" }, "ntrs-caldwell-irtps": { "title": "Modernization of Insulative Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (IRTPS), Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center", "id": "NTRS 20250000871", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000871/downloads/non-CUI%20ACaldwell%20Modernization%20of%20IRTPS%20Final3.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" }, "wikipedia-shuttle-tps": { "title": "Space Shuttle thermal protection system (Wikipedia)", "id": "Wikipedia article: Space Shuttle thermal protection system", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_thermal_protection_system", "kind": "web", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (cited, not reproduced)" }, "usgs-mcs2026-silicon": { "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Silicon", "id": "USGS MCS 2026, silicon chapter", "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-silicon.pdf", "year": 2026, "kind": "report", "license": "US Government work (cited, not reproduced)" }, "usgs-mcs2026-aluminum": { "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum", "id": "USGS MCS 2026, aluminum chapter", "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf", "year": 2026, "kind": "report", "license": "US Government work (cited, not reproduced)" }, "ntrs-caldwell-cms24": { "title": "AETB modernization slides, Caldwell et al., NASA Ames Research Center, 2024", "id": "NTRS 20240000772", "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20240000772/downloads/CMS24%20Caldwell.pdf", "year": 2024, "kind": "report", "license": "NASA public domain (cited, not reproduced)" }, "cerafelt-sds-103": { "title": "Safety Data Sheet SDS 103, Cerafelt refractory ceramic fibre products (Morgan Thermal Ceramics)", "id": "Morgan Thermal Ceramics SDS 103", "url": "https://morganthermalceramics.com/media/zojnxex5/103-ghs-uae.pdf", "year": 2025, "kind": "datasheet", "license": "Supplier safety data sheet (cited, not reproduced)" }, "pubchem-silica": { "title": "PubChem compound record: Silica (CID 24261)", "id": "PubChem CID 24261", "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/24261/JSON", "kind": "database", "license": "NLM PubChem terms (cited, not reproduced)" } }, "license": "CC-BY-4.0", "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aetb-8-tile/" }