Using a "HOLLoW" Design for Traditional Shuttle Tiles to Reduce Mass up to 30%For spacecraft entering an atmosphere, a reduction in TPS mass is directly proportional to the increase in payload mass. The HOLLOW TPS concept is a reusable material with lower density and similar thermal capabilities to traditional tiles. Using HOLLOW TPS to replace a percentage of the tiles on a flight vehicle could save up to 35% mass depending on the mission objectives and flight path. The HOLLOW TPS will also increase an equal amount of payload capacity, increasing the efficiency of the mission.
Document ID
20190031965
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Abstract
Authors
Peterson, Keith H. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Carder, Nichole B. (Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. Moffett Field, CA, United States)