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To mitigate the problem of heat seepage, SpaceX has employed a specialized material known as Vulcan felt. This heat-resistant material is wrapped around the tiles to act as an insulating barrier. By adding this layer, the small gaps between the tiles become less permeable to plasma, effectively reducing the amount of heat transfer into the metal beneath.
The "crunch wrap" configuration helps manage the thermal stresses during re-entry, preventing damage caused by the intense heat flux. This innovative approach ensures that the tiles maintain their structural and insulating properties over multiple missions, enhancing the overall durability and safety of the Starship's heat shield.