Multi-Layered Integrated Airframe System

This proposed Phase II program builds on the Phase I effort addressing NASA's future mission requirements by: 1) developing higher performing TPS materials capable of meeting the demands of multiple severe mission trajectories; and 2) integrating TPS materials with the sub-structure to improve overall robustness and decrease mass. The program's goal is to extend Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA) and Fiber Materials, Inc. (FMI<SUP>REG</SUP>) Integrated Composite Structure (ICS) TPS materials to a broader range of flight heat fluxes and mission performance requirements to address future heatshield design needs. Specific mission enabling improvements sought by NASA that will be developed and/or demonstrated under this Phase II program include: preform/component size, ablation performance, thermal insulation performance, efficient and extendable assembly process, and net-shape preform casting.