Thermal protection systems for space vehicles: A review on technology development, current challenges and future prospects

Thermal Protection System (TPS) is an essential component of space vehicles to protect them against the aerothermal heating imposed on them during the atmospheric entry. Different types of TPS, including passive, semi-passive and active systems, have been developed and utilized in the last few decades. With the increasing demand for reusable launch vehicles (RLV) as well as new goals for interplanetary manned missions, the quest for developing effective TPS has been accelerated. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on the technology development of different classes of TPS from mid twentieth century to the present time. Application of different types of TPS for various RLVs is reviewed and the current state of the art of TPS technology is presented. Three major aspects, including mass efficient TPS materials and technology, modeling and simulation tools and techniques and TPS sensors and measurement systems are identified as current challenges pertaining TPS for future space missions, according to the most recent NASA Technology Roadmap. A detailed discussion on these challenges as well as insights regarding future prospects for different classes of TPS are presented in detail. • Thermal protection system (TPS) protects space vehicles during atmospheric entry. • Passive, semi-passive and active TPS technology development are reviewed. • The state of the art of various TPS technologies are presented. • Mass efficient TPS, simulation tools and measurement systems are discussed.