The proposed block ablator-in-honeycomb heat shield is anticipated to meet NASA requirements for increased heat flux capability and reduced mass in entry vehicle thermal protection systems. NASA applications include the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle for beyond Earth orbit exploration (entry, descent, and landing heat shield and backshell), asteroid sample return, and planetary sample return. Earth return can have an entry velocity greater than 11.5 km/s and a heat flux in the 1500-2500 W/cm2 range or higher. Use of ablators in rocket nozzles has been extensive, and NASA also stands to benefit in that application. Non-NASA applications include solid rocket motors for conventional satellite launch, nanosatellite launch systems, launch platform protection, tactical missile solid rocket motors, internal and external motor case insulation, throats, and nosetips.
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