Thermal Protection Systems

In the context of aerospace engineering, Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) refer to the barrier systems installed on spacecraft and high-speed aircraft to prevent them from overheating due to the extreme temperatures encountered during atmospheric re-entry or high-speed flight. These systems are designed to absorb, reflect, or dissipate the heat generated by the friction between the vehicle and the atmospheric gases. The TPS is a critical component of any spacecraft or high-speed aircraft, as it ensures the structural integrity of the vehicle and the safety of its occupants or payload. The design of a TPS involves a complex balance between weight, thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and cost. Materials used in TPS include ablative materials, which burn off and carry away heat, and insulative materials, which reflect or dissipate heat. The choice of material depends on the specific mission requirements and the expected thermal environment.
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