Thermal Protection Systems for Future Reusable Launch Vehicles

This paper reviews some of the advanced thermal protection systems available for use on future reusable launch vehicles. The systems discussed include advanced carbon-carbon, new high temperature, toughened tiles, and new high temperature ceramic and felt blankets. Based on recent system analyses, a life cycle cost parameter is define and computed for these new thermal protection systems and compared to Shuttle baseline systems, as well as two metallic based concepts.