Final answer:
Space shuttles use specialized ceramic tiles made of advanced materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures. These tiles provide crucial thermal protection during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, differing substantially from traditional ceramics like earthenware or brick used in historical contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ceramic material used in space shuttles is a specialized type of ceramic known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. These ceramics are used as protective tiles on the outer surface of the space shuttle. Traditional ceramics, such as earthenware, porcelain, and brick, have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes. Ceramics are composed of an inorganic compound that includes metal, non-metal, or a combination of ionic and covalent bonds. In space applications, however, the materials have to withstand extreme conditions. Therefore, space shuttles make use of advanced ceramics that can resist high temperature and thermal shock without losing their integrity.
Cultural advances in the use of ceramics have evolved from the Longshan culture's sophisticated potter's wheels and kilns to the modern engineering feat of re-entry capable spacecraft. Unlike the ceramics used by the Longshan for pottery, the thermal protection system (TPS) used in space crafts utilize advanced ceramics engineered for durability and heat resistance. The tiles on the space shuttle form part of the TPS, protecting it from the intense heat generated during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.