Mechanically attached thermal protection system

A method for protecting a substrate with an insulating tile, comprising:

• flowing air from an air source into an air inlet that extends through the substrate;
• flowing the air from the air inlet, through a rigid outer shell of the insulating tile, and into an air channel within an inner core of the insulating tile;
• flowing the air from the air channel into to a plurality of capillaries that branch from the air channel within the inner core;
• and
• flowing the air from the plurality of capillaries within the inner core through the rigid outer shell of the insulating tile.

A method for attaching an insulating tile comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface to a substrate, the method comprising:

• inserting a plurality of studs extending from a surface of the substrate through a plurality of mounting holes in a plurality of brackets attached to the insulating tile;
• inserting the plurality of studs into a plurality of access holes of the insulating tile through the first surface of the insulating tile, wherein the plurality of access holes extend through the insulating tile from and through the first surface to and through the second surface;
• and
• securing the insulating tile to the plurality of studs using a plurality of fasteners positioned within the plurality of access holes, wherein each fastener is accessible from the second surface of the insulating tile through one of the plurality of access holes.