Orbiter TPS development and certification testing at the NASA/JSC 10MW Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility

Abstract

Thermal performance of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) has been verified by extensive ground testing at the NASA/JSC 10 MW Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility (ARMSEF). Major test programs have included current TPS materials (RSI, RCC and ablators) and advanced TPS materials (AFRSI and FRCI-12). Testing by electrically heating a gas mixture simulating air and expanding it (supersonically or hypersonically) through channel or conical nozzles has produced simulated thermal and pressure environments on models representative of the Orbiter TPS acreage and penetration regions. Tests have established Orbiter TPS thermal design requirements, verified Orbiter TPS thermal performance, and supported Orbiter TPS flight anomaly investigations and resolutions.