Prev heroicrelics.org
U.S. Space and Rocket Center Site Index
Test Nose Cone Gallery
Next

dsc80904.jpg

A groove where the char layer has been removed.

Picture 2 of 2.

I assume that engineers made this groove to determine how deep the char layer is (thereby determining the remaining thickness of undamaged ablative material). The material at the bottom of the groove is a different color, presumably indicating virgin material (it's similar in color to the ablative used in the Apollo heat shield).

 
Test Nose Cone with post-flight samples removed at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Time picture taken Thu Jan 19 10:21:36 2012
Location picture taken Marshall Visitor Center Area
"Old" Museum
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL
Prev Test Nose Cone Gallery Next