Interest in light Thermal Protection System (TPS) of reusable spacecraft is increasing worldwide, however there is no TPS that would ensure multiple use of serially produced spacecraft. Namely, there is no thermal protection system, which has affordable cost, processability and maintenance ability as well as high reliability during operation.

LIGHT-TPS Project is aimed at development of new super-light TPS for various space applications, above all for reusable spacecraft, capable of operating within the entire range of working temperatures.

The project is focused on development of innovative materials (metallic and ceramic), new structure design and manufacturing technologies for the fabrication of new generation thermal protection systems.

The fundamental novelty of the project is combining metallic and non-metallic heat/corrosion resistant materials in a particular way that allows a significant reduction of the weight of whole system.

In frame of the Project Yuzhnoye SDO is responsible for development of metallic thermal protection system and implementation of the full set of its ground testing to validate its reusability. 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement №607182.

Detailed information is available here: http://www.light-tps.eu/

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