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NASA NTRS · 20205006951

TPS and Entry System Technologies for Future Mars and Titan Exploration

Robin Beck·Milad Mahzari·Helen Hwang·Mairead Stackpoole·Ethiraj Venkatapathy·Donald Ellerby·Todd White·Alan Cassell·Cooper Snapp
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Abstract

The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview to the NRC Decadal Survey Mars and Ocean Worlds Sub-Panels on thermal protection system (TPS) technologies required for future Mars and Titan exploration missions. It considers the capability of heritage TPS technology used by previous Mars and Titan missions. A prime conclusion is that there are important advances regarding the availability of forebody TPS therefore, we recommend that NASA invest in a cross-cutting technology program that focuses on development and sustainment of relevant TPS materials, entry systems, test facilities, design tools, and flight instrumentation.

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Thermal protection systemsMars explorationTitan explorationAblative materials

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Robin Beck, Milad Mahzari, Helen Hwang, Mairead Stackpoole, Ethiraj Venkatapathy, Donald Ellerby, Todd White, Alan Cassell, Cooper Snapp. 2020-09-01. TPS and Entry System Technologies for Future Mars and Titan Exploration. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20205006951

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