Thermal Protection System Facility (TPSF) HAER - Environmental ...

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, LAUNCH COMPLEX 39,
THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM FACILITY
(John F. Kennedy Space Center)
HAER No. FL-8-11-L
Page 21
All other TPS softgoods components, as well as the TCS blankets, are made in Room 201, which
contains standard commercial sewing machines of both the regular and long-arm variety. The
machines are typically used for components that have a standard shape. Hand stitching is
required for most softgoods, because like the tiles, they are custom-fit. In many instances, the
technicians use a plastic or wooden clamp as an aid to hold the component while they are sewing
(Figure Nos. A-30 through A-33). 57
Aside from manufacturing a new TPS softgoods component, the technicians are able to repair
existing ones that are removed from the orbiter at the OPF. This process involves similar steps,
except that only materials needed for the repair are used, and they are cut to the appropriate size.
Regardless of whether it is a brand new component or a repaired component, after the softgoods
technicians have completed their work, it is sent to Room No. 123 to be heat cleaned (unless preheat
cleaned materials were used) in one of three ovens along its north wall, a process that takes
roughly eight hours. Afterwards, it is sent to Room No. 126 for its waterproofing application,
dried, and finally sent to the OPF for installation on the orbiter. 58
57 Harrington.
58 Frank Sunderman; “KSC makes Shuttle heat-shield blankets.” Spaceport News (44, 1), January 7, 2005: 7;
NASA, Thermal Protection System, 3-5.