Ceramic matrix composites life cycle testing under reusable launcher environmental conditions

Abstract

This article focuses on the thermal protection system (TPS) and hot structures based on carbon fiber-reinforced SiC (C/) SiC) material, which protects the high thermal-loaded areas and control surfaces of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). The goal of the test program is the evaluation of the lifetime of different types of TPS under reusability aspects for RLV application, reflecting the re-entry environments together with the effect of impacts from low-speed impact, rain erosion, and hall core impact. The test results of the C/SiC samples with the self-healing oxidation protection system showed very promising results concerning reusability and lifetime.