Arc Jet Testing of 3D Mid-Density Carbon Phenolic (3MDCP) for Mars Sample Return

When accounting for the highest-heating trajectory with margin, dispersion, and greatest system mass, MSR-EES is predicted to experience the highest heat flux and pressure (approximately 3300 W/cm2 hot-wall, 200 kPa) of any earth entry vehicle todate. To verify performance requirements are met by the forebody TPS, the material must be tested to validate model predictions and give confidence to stakeholder’s expectation of performance. 3D Mid-Density Carbon Phenolic (3MDCP) is NASA’s baseline material for the forebody heatshield of the MSR-EES. As part of the arc jet campaign to evaluate material performance, recent testing has completed in the Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) using a new facility setting to achieve the necessary environments.