{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":6210,"title":"High Specific-Strength C-Zr(O)C / C-Ablator TPS for CEV, Phase II","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10939,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10938,"level":3,"code":"TX14.3.1","title":"Thermal Protection Materials","definition":"Thermal protection materials (TPM) are the materials and coatings designed to tolerate high temperatures while insulating the spacecraft from the incident heating. Materials are often generally classified as single or multi-use, with application dependent on operations. This category also includes fundamental research and development of new material concepts, as well as materials testing used to determine underlying properties.","exampleTechnologies":"Tiles; blankets; rigid and conformal ablators; flexible materials; foams (i.e., ascent Thermal Protection Systems (TPSs)); coatings; materials research, development and testing; multi-functional materials (MMOD resistance, radiation reflective, etc.)","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"description":"During the Phase I NASA SBIR, MATECH GSM (MG) has developed and evaluated the world's first ultra-high temperature (UHT) Zr-(O)-C ceramic fiber pre-form / organic ablative matrix composite TPS system. This Phase II NASA SBIR Proposal from MG seeks to expand this technology to the following areas: 1)Microstructural level refinements and optimization of the char- and ablator phases for more reproducible material systems 2)Scaling-up for the fabrication of a larger and more complex-shape geometry 3)TPS design data generation with extensive arc-jet testing for a full TPS Component demonstration in Phase III. In this TPS material concept, the \"char\" phase is UHT zirconium carbide (Zr(O)C) ceramic fiber pre-forms, which have dual functions of high compressive strength of ligaments and non-recession of fiber components after matrix ablation. MG's ablative TPS are designed to retain their shape, thereby reducing the thickness requirement and lowering the TPS total mass, crucial at high re-entry velocity. MG's new ablator slowly absorbs high levels of energy during high temperature ablation. At the completion of the Phase II-Base and Phase II-Option program, MG will have fabricated a high specific strength C-Zr(O)C / C-ablator (CZOCA) and have demonstrated one TPS component, operational at > 5000oF. ","startYear":2007,"startMonth":12,"endYear":2009,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[],"transitions":[{"transitionId":162,"projectId":6210,"transitionDate":"2009-12-01","path":"Closed Out","infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"December 2009"}],"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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