Development of Nested Skin Structure Approach to Increasing Aerodynamic Heating Capability of a Sounding Rocket Payload

We propose to design, analyze and test a nested skin structure approach to increasing the capability of a sounding rocket payload to withstand aerodynamic heating from high altitude insertion and re-entry. This approach consists of an outer skin to endure aerodynamic heating during re-entry with an isolated inner skin to withstand re-entry loads. A strategy for mitigating aerodynamic heating is a key technology focus area outlined for the Suborbital Platforms and Range Services (SPARS) line of business (LOB). Specifically, this development supports the effort of the Sounding Rocket Program Office (SRPO) to recover payloads from higher altitude vehicles, increasing science observation times for celestial and solar sounding rocket missions.

A strategy for mitigating aerodynamic heating is a key technology focus area outlined for the SPARS LOB, specifically supporting the effort of the SRPO to recover payloads from higher altitude vehicles. Severely reduce outgassing near science instruments, current TPS contain ablatives which are deposited on the payload outer surfaces

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