Advanced TPS Materials

Via the exploration of alternate resins and substrate materials for ablative TPS, and the development of new high heat flux resistant flexible TPS systems, we intend to provide existing GCD investments "plug-and-play" options that will greatly increase the likelihood of mission infusion of these key technolgies.

NASA funded: Flexible TPS investments will directly benefit the HIAD-2 project. NASA unfunded: Deliver new TPS concepts that will enable the use of Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs) for exploration missions and greatly enhance operational range for conformal TPS systems. Alternate resin conformals, along with CA-250, form the basis for proposed new start work as well as an incentivized technology in the upcoming New Frontiers proposal call. OGA: Flexible TPS spinoff (CHIEFS) has potential application for fire fighter personal protection system which is being evaluated in partnership with the US Forestry Service. Commercial: The Commercial space industry has already expressed interest in both conformal TPS and HIAD technologies, and we are pursuing partnerships in conjunction with other STMD projects. Nation: Advances to high temperature materials has potential cross-cutting benefits in many areas. We are already pursuing a spinoff for personal fire shelters which could save the lives of front line forest fire fighters. Additional spinoffs are possible in other areas as well.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.