LIGHT-TPS
will develop a new super-light Thermal Protection System (TPS) for
various space applications, above all for Reusable Space Systems (RSS),
capable of operating within the entire range of working temperatures.
The project aims at radical properties improvements in the TPS used
existing and under-development RSS. The main disadvantage of existing
TPS based on metallic frames is the significant weight and insufficient
lifetime, due to the degradation and corrosion of the metal. A class of
materials, commonly referred to as ultra-high temperature ceramics
(UHTC) possesses a unique combination of physico-chemical properties
that makes them specifically suited for application in aerospace
sector. The UHTC-based coating that will be developed will provide
superior oxidation protection to metal alloys, as well as to light
constructions made of C/SiC and C/C materials. The main challenge of
the project is to develop a super-light, corrosion and oxidation
resistant TPS by combining the advantagesof metallic
|