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Welcome to our website! Our goal is to tell you about thermal protection materials and systems (TPS) and the work we do here in our Branch at NASA-Ames Research Center. Right now some of our major efforts are in supporting the Shuttle Return to Flight Program. We are developing new ablative materials for future planetary and other missions to enable the President's vision for Space Exploration. We are also developing materials for science missions. This work is in support of the Exploration Systems Mission, Space Operating Mission, and Science Mission Directorates.
Shuttle Lift Off
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Mission Statement
Jun 14, 2005
The Thermal Protection Materials and Systems Branch at NASA Ames is committed to enabling cost effective TPS risk mitigation for NASA missions involving high-speed atmospheric flight, through its engagement in the following activities:
- TPS materials selection, development, validation and qualification;
- Development of materials databases and thermal response modeling;
- Development and validation of high fidelity physics- and chemistry-based thermal
models for understanding materials response in aerothermal environments;
- Development and validation of heat shield design and repair;
- Heat shield flight qualification.
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Really Fun Contest
This is your chance to show off your science knowledge. We have some science questions that need to be answered. Let us know your answers now and then come back and check out the other answers on our Questions page.
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Ultra High Temperature Ceramics Have Higher Temperature Capability
Research Scientists and engineers at NASA Ames Research Center have had some success at developing Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs), in their new processing laboratory. These have application on vehicles with sharp leading edges. Sharp vehicles have greater cross-range capability and maneuverability, offering advantages in safety and performance.
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TPSX Material Database
The Thermal Protection Materials and Systems Branch has created a web based material properties database called "TPSX". The goal of TPSX is to provide easy and immediate access to material data for analysts, engineers and designers in the aerospace field.
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Where You Can Hear Us Talk or Meet Us
TPS Branch at Ames researchers will be speaking at many up-coming events! Check out the list of titles and descriptions of upcoming presentations.
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Spotlight On - Lori McNeill
Oct 17, 2005
Our spotlight shines on Lori McNeill, a Researcher and Lab Manager with ELORET. She is a recent recipient of the Ames Safety Award for her diligence in upgrading safety and health standards. Lori has been working in the Thermal Protection Materials and Systems Branch since 2001. Check out the interview conducted with her recently for more on who she is, what she does, what she likes, and her advice to students.
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New Projects
Oct 25, 2004
NASA Ames has been involved in many projects recently, including X-37, Mars Exploration Rover (MER), Shuttle Return-to-Flight, Mars Science Laboratory, UHTC Development work and In-Space Propulsion.
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Highlights of recent work
Oct 25, 2004
Researchers at NASA Ames have recently completed testing of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC), for Shuttle Return-to-Flight (RTF). In addition, radiation testing has been done in support of Huygens, with new equipment.
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Mars Exploration Rovers TPS
Dec 10, 2004
NASA Ames Research Center has played an important role in many areas of the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission (managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena), including work done in the thermal protection missions and systems branch to support the design, manufacture and testing of the thermal protection system (TPS).
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