When the Orbiter re-enters the EarthÕs atmosphere, it gets very hot. Since the Orbiter plunges nose-first through the atmosphere during entry, the front parts of the vessel experience the most intense heat. The air around the OrbiterÕs nose and the leading edges of the wings can get as hot as 1600C (2984F). A very strong material called reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) is used on the nose cap and wings to protect them from the heat. RCC is specially designed to make sure that the shuttleÕs exterior doesnÕt rise above 175C (347F). This is part of the OrbiterÕs special thermal protection system (TPS).