Inflatable Heat Shields? NASA says yes

NASA has successfully demonstrated how a spacecraft returning to Earth can use an inflatable heat shield to slow and protect itself as it enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. The shield consisted of a 10-foot diameter, mushroom shape, made of several layers of silicone-coated industrial fabric, which was inflated with nitrogen after the test craft was released about 124miles in altitude. The shield experienced maximum atmospheric heating at apx. 6 minutes into the flight and 50 miles up and lasted 30 seconds.

Now that NASA has shown proof of concept, they plan to scale up to more advanced aeroshells capable of handling higher heat rates.

Complete story here

Copenhagen Suborbitals Heat - Cheap space ride?

Got the need to be suborbital? Not sure you can raise the 200 large for the ride? Well according to a recent article in Dvice: Copenhagen Suborbitals has a crazy plan to cram you into the nosecone of this minuscule missile, blasting you into space and returning you safely to Earth. (hey, we have heard that line before huh? ) The craft is named HEAT or Hybrid Exo Atmospheric Transporter, and it'll propel a human into space at a relatively gentle 3g force. The quarters will be cramped, with the astronaut strapped into the pressurized compartment so tightly, in a modified standing position, only limited arm movement will be possible. At present on the 1/3 scale sounding rocket has been built to test the engine. Check out the engine test on a static stand.


XLR-2 hybrid rocket motor test from Sonny W. on Vimeo.