Research at NASA by Walker et al. "Preliminary Development of a Multifunctional Hot Structure Heat Shield" indicates that the TPS on the SpaceX Dragon could be reduced by 151 lbs. if super-efficient flexible blanket insulations are used in combination with a CMC hot structure. It is predicted that weight savings could be even greater on Mars entry vehicles, depending on the size of the vehicle and the entry trajectory.
The Army, Air Force and DARPA have strong interest in long range, high speed vehicles. The proposed class of insulations will make those vehicles more efficient, more reliable and more effective. The methods of making these materials are expected to be lower than some less effective alternate materials, which may enable industrial applications in oil refineries and automobiles.
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