Advanced Thermal Protection System (TPS) for Future Multiple Entry Vehicles

The development of durable thermal protection systems is one of the critical technologies to enhance performance and reduce operational costs of the next generation reentry space vehicles. k Technology Corporation (kTC) proposes development of an integrated thermal and structural thermal protection system (TPS) with low maintenance. The concept is to develop a leading edge TPS that is a load-carrying, high thermal conductivity k-Core monocoque shell that surrounds a phase change material. The concept provides efficient radiation cooling along with high thermal inertia to absorb heat during reentry so that peak temperatures are limited. The phase I effort will include transient finite element analysis and limited testing of key material combinations.