Ohio State professor can discuss history of space shuttle

The thermal tiles that covered the space shuttle Columbia are very good at protecting the craft from heat, but were known to be brittle and somewhat easy to break, according to an Ohio State University professor who has written about the history of the space shuttle program.

John Guilmartin, a professor of history, is co-author of the five-volume A Shuttle Chronology, 1964-1973, which was published by NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1988.

While they are examining many leads about what may have caused the disaster, NASA investigators are looking closely at the possible role of a piece of insulation that came off the shuttle on liftoff and hit thermal tiles on the left wing. Guilmartin said it wouldn’t take much to damage the thermal tiles. In researching their development, Guilmartin said he learned the tiles represent the most current technology on the shuttle, but they do have shortcomings. He said the tiles are “ excellent at heat protection, but also are brittle. That’s the nature of the technology.”

Guilmartin will be available for interviews before noon and after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday (2/4).

Guilmartin is an authority on military history, maritime history, and the history of technology. He also is interested in aerospace history and has written about the Vietnam war and the Gulf war. He is a retired Lt. Col in the U.S. Air Force and a Vietnam War veteran, having flown more than 120 combat missions.

WHAT: John Guilmartin, a professor of history, is co-author of the five-volume A Shuttle Chronology, 1964-1973.

WHEN: Before noon and after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday (2/4).

WHY: To offer his expertise on the history of the space shuttle.