Shuttle questions

[corbarrad]

Hello folks. I've been lurking on this message board for the better part of a year now, with a few posts here and there, but this is the first topic I start.<br /><br />There are some questions about the shuttles reusability that have been bugging me for some time, that I couldn't find answers for, though. there seem to be some really knowledgeable persons around, so here goes:<br /><br />-Which of the shuttles systems, if any, are basically left alone udring turnaround. That is tested, but not taken apart and refurbished usually.<br /><br />-I understand that the tiles of the thermal protection system are basically glued to the orbiters exterior. is there an extra layer of insulation between the tiles and the structural parts of the orbiter? Also in which manner are the RCC panels attached? Are they bolted on from the inside?<br /><br />-I read somewhere that the orbiters all have individual features on the exterior. Columbia was enough easy to identify with the black forward parts on the wings. Do any of the other orbiters carry such easily identifiable marks? <br /><br />Those are all the questions I remember at the moment. Thanks in advance, if you took the time to answer them.

 

[corbarrad]

Thanks for both your answers and your welcome. <br />I've entered some information in my profile now