Part 4/6:
Dan, a representative from SpaceX, explained the significance of these modifications. Initially, the tiles are placed adjacent to each other with small gaps in between to accommodate the metal frame underneath. These gaps serve a critical purpose—they allow the underlying metal to expand and contract without causing damage to the tiles. However, this arrangement introduces an issue: high-temperature plasma can seep through these gaps, leading to intense heating on the sides and onto the underlying metal. This increased heat can potentially compromise the integrity of the heat shield.