PROTECT: Production and Reuse Of Thermally Efficient Ceramic Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)

PROTECT seeks to (1) develop a more robust and capable reusable TPS by (2) employing a novel informed material development approach enabled by advanced computational tools and material characterization techniques. 

With PROTECT, novel refractory ceramic TPS materials will be developed that meet the survivability and reusability needs of NASA and its commercial partners. The computational tools developed by PROTECT will be made available to the commercial space industry to aid in reusable TPS design, enabling tailored solutions suitable for their spacecraft.

The project can be categorized into three primary technical objectives: Advanced Materials Characterization, Tools for Predictive Modeling, and Informed Materials Development.

1. Advanced Materials Characterization
   1. Identify tools and techniques to provide data for model development.
   2. Develop experimental capability to measure or capture relevant information.
   3. Feed data to the Modeling Team for the development of new predictive capability.
   4. Characterize the microstructure and properties of novel TPS materials.
2. Tools for Predictive Modeling
   1. Identify required microstructural and raw material property data.
   2. Develop PuMA capability to model fibrous ceramic TPS.
   3. Validate models based upon heritage materials and extensive database.
   4. Predict the properties/performance of novel reusable TPS materials.
   5. Validate models based on properties/performance of novel materials.
3. Informed Material Development 
   1. Identify novel material architectures for reusable TPS.
   2. Conduct manufacturing trials with new materials and processes.
   3. Manufacture test units with promising new materials informed by models.
   4. Perform ground testing of novel materials (Inductivity Coupled Plasma (ICP) torch, Radiant Heat Test Facility (RHTF), mechanical)
   5. Perform flight testing of novel materials on SpaceX’s Starship.

Robust, reusable TPS will have a direct impact on the development of sustainable space transportation systems for LEO, the Moon, and Mars. To establish and sustain a human presence beyond LEO, multiple launches will be required to refuel spacecraft to propel them to their final destinations. Rapid flight cadence will be enabled by PROTECT’s robust and highly capable reusable TPS. 

The materials and tools developed by this project will have direct impacts on the Artemis missions. The Orion backshell TPS is composed of AETB produced from Shuttle-era material stockpiles and will require reformulation once the obsolete heritage materials are consumed. Robust TPS with immediate reusability are required for the operation of SpaceX’s Starship for HLS and we aim to translate our technologies to meet this need with SpaceX as a key partner. Furthermore, the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) Contract stands to benefit on the Sierra Space Dream Chaser, which seeks robust, reusable TPS, and is currently based largely on Shuttle materials. PROTECT’s new TPS development paradigm can be leveraged to solve distinct material challenges that various use cases demand, enabling the future development of tailored material solutions for future reusable spacecraft.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.