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Sustaining PICA TPS for Future NASA Robotic Science MissionsPhenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), invented in the mid 1990's, is a low-density ablative thermal protection material proven capable of meeting sample return mission needs from the moon, asteroids, comets and other "unrestricted class V destinations" as well as for Mars. Its low density and efficient performance characteristics have proven effective for use from Discovery to Flagship class missions. It is important that NASA maintain this TPS material capability and ensure its availability for future NASA use. The rayon based carbon precursor raw material used in PICA preform manufacturing required replacement and requalification at least twice in the past 25 years and a third substitution is now needed. The carbon precursor replacement challenge is twofold – the first involves finding a long-term replacement for the current rayon and the second is to assess its future availability periodically to ensure it is sustainable and be alerted if additional replacement efforts need to be initiated. Rayon is no longer a viable process in the US and Europe due to environmental concerns. In the early 80's rayon producers began investigating a new method of producing a cellulosic fiber through a more environmentally responsible process. This cellulosic fiber, lyocell, is a viable replacement precursor for PICA fiberform. This presentation reviews current SMD-PSD funded PICA sustainability activities in ensuring a rayon replacement for the long term is identified and in establishing that the capability of the new PICA derived from an alternative precursor is in family with previous versions of the so called "heritage" PICA.State of the Art Low Density Carbon Phenolic AblatorsStardust SRC post flight withPICA forebody heat shield(0.8m max. diameter)PICA Processing StepsRole of Rayon/Lyocellin PICA.
Document ID
20180006865
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Stackpoole, Mairead
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Venkatapathy, Ethiraj
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gasch, Matthew
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Violette, Steven
(Fiber Materials, Inc. Biddeford, ME, United States)
Date Acquired
October 25, 2018
Publication Date
June 25, 2018
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN57669
Meeting Information
Meeting: National Space and Missile Material Symposium (NSMMS)
Location: Madison, WI
Country: United States
Start Date: June 25, 2018
End Date: June 28, 2018
Sponsors: Northrop Grumman Corp.
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNA14AA96B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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