The successful completion of the Phase I program would directly benefit an existing, on-going NASA programs which incorporate flexible TPS designs: the Adaptable, Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT) program. This program has made significant progress to advance the technology of deployable flexible aeroshells of 3D woven construction. However, there are still multiple risks associated with these designs. Although it is nearly impossible to address all of these risks, the development of sufficient test methods to calculate the material's compliances is an important step to reduce risk in the design. Relative to commercial space transportation, the Space Act Agreement demonstrates NASA's financial and technical commitment to expanding access to space through a partnership with various organizations. Although these organizations, including Space Exploration Technologies, Orbital Technologies, Boeing and Sierra Nevada Corporation, have made great strides in advancing commercial space travel, their technology has thus far been applied only to low Earth orbit and travel to the International Space Station. However, this does not mean that such organizations could not benefit from low ballistic coefficient aeroshell technology. Based on the improved interlaminar properties and the ability to tailor the material design for a specific application, the increased use of 3D woven fabrics in ballistic protection, structural members, stiffeners and joints has benefited numerous other industries, including automotive, marine, construction and ballistic protection. As part of the commercialization strategy, MR&D will also perform a market research analysis on these industries since in order to identify additional areas within the commercial sector that would benefit from the development of credible test methods for 3D woven fabrics.
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Ames Research Center
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