Reusable TPS Materials Development Activities at NASA Ames

Recent developments in low-cost access to low-earth orbit (LEO) and hypersonic flight are driving renewed demand in reusable thermal protection systems (RTPS) that have not had broad application since the Space Shuttle era. Modern systems will need to consider full cycle cost (lower cost raw materials, manufacturing, integration, and refurbishment) in addition to improved performance to enable this new generation of space flight.

NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) has a long history of RTPS development including modern state-of-the-art materials like Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB), and multi-component systems like Toughened Uni-piece Fibrous Reinforced Oxidation-resistant Composite (TUFROC). Now, ARC is supporting the growing commercial space field through internal research and development efforts for high-risk low TRL materials and collaboration with commercial partners including technology transfer.

This talk will discuss the current development efforts at ARC that span updating legacy insulating systems with modern raw materials and processes to totally novel designs for heat pipes with various low-TRL activities in between. It will also discuss Ames’ recent re-investment in experimental capabilities to enable characterization and material testing.