Other Control Systems

The Thermal Protection System -this includes material, which are used to cover the external skin of orbiter to protect it from excess heat coming from the sun.

Thermal protection materials protect the Orbiter from all temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit experienced during ascent and re-entry. These materials also protect the Orbiter in a range of temperatures from minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Refractory materials are used to make thermal protection systems

The Orbiter/External Tank Separation System - contains all of the hardware and control systems necessary to support safe separation of the External Tank from the Orbiter.

The Orbital Maneuvering System - is made up of two Orbital Maneuvering System engines and all the related hardware.

Each OMS engine burns a combination of monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide liquid fuel, and can produce a thrust of 6,000 pounds. Each OMS engine can be gimbaled to provide control for the Orbiter as it maneuvers toward its intended mission orbit.

The Caution and Warning System - is designed to warn the crew of any conditions that, may adversely affect the performance of the Orbiter. The Caution and Warning System primarily consists of a set of visual and aural alarms that alert the crew.