Si-O-C Aerogels for TPS of Reentry Vehicles, Phase I

The objectives of this proposal are to identify and develop breakthrough technologies that have potential to provide increased scientific return at lower cost, and to enable missions and capabilities beyond current horizons. Advanced thermal materials are needed as thermal protection system (TPS) materials for reentry. Aspen Aerogels Inc. proposes a particularly innovative lightweight aerogel material !V silicon oxycarbide aerogel that will advance the state-of-the-art for thermal protection. The material will have maximal operational temperature in air on the order of 1200 ?aC, will have low thermal conductivity at high temperatures and low density. Thermal stability of the material will be tested at conditions simulating the conditions of Earth reentry.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.