F-1503 Advanced Thermal Protection Systems for Reusable Launch Vehicles

Advanced Thermal Protection System (TPS) is expected to be developed as one of the key technologies of Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). TPS for RLV should be lighter weight, more durability to the flight environments and lower cost than conventional TPSs like a Space Shuttle. To satisfy those requirements, an advanced Flexible External Insulation (AFEI) has been improved in thermal conductivity and weight. This AFEI has been also applied as internal insulation to Surface Protected Flexible Insulation (SPFI) developed by Astrium-Space Infrastructure. This advanced SPFI (ASPFI) is aimed at protecting the windward side of reentry vehicles. This paper describes the development of advanced TPSs such as AFEI and ASPFI.