Course Description
Learn the history, state of the art, and future of design, testing, and development of ceramics for spaceflight thermal protection systems
This ITAR-restricted course will include a background on the use of ceramics in spacecraft thermal protection systems (TPS), an overview of currently used materials and manufacturing methods, and approaches to characterize and test materials. Specific case studies will also be presented, including the use of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), TPS flight certification, Shuttle TPS lessons learned, and developing HEEET from the lab-scale to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6.
High enthalpy and thermos-structural testing will also be covered to provide examples of high temperature testing relevant to the problem of atmospheric re-entry. The course is designed for technical people who would like to learn more about how ceramics are used to protect spacecraft from the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry. Attendees will understand the need for ceramic TPS for spaceflight, learn the fundamentals underpinning material design, manufacturing, and testing, and discover future challenges in the field.
The full list of topics is included below:
- Introduction to Ceramics for TPS
- Materials for Reusable TPS
- Manufacturing Reusable TPS: Tiles & Blankets
- Ceramic Matrix Composites
- Materials Characterization for Reusable TPS
- TPS Flight Certification & the NASA TPS Standard
- Shuttle TPS Lessons Learned
- Developing Material to TRL 6: HEEET
- High Enthalpy Testing
- Thermo-Structural Testing
- Future Challenges in Ceramics for TPS
Course Format
In-person | 2 days of instruction | Gilruth Center; 18600 Space Center Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
Please note: This course is ITAR-restricted. Registration for this event is limited to 45 participants. In order to attend the course, you must submit a Military Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD2345) to Madilyn Paul at mpaul@ceramics.org by July 21, 2026.
Facilities Tour
This course will also include tours of Mission Control Center, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, Radiant Heat Test Facility, and the Saturn V in Rocket Park (tentatively).
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Registration Pricing
- Early-bird registration (before July 5, 2026): $349
- Regular registration: $449
Hypersonic Travel Grant
This travel grant includes:
- Course registration waiver ($349)
- Up to $500 of supplemental funding
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until July 6, 2026.
Apply for the Thermal Protections Hypersonic Travel Grant
Course Instructors
- Adam Sidor, NASA JSC
- Craig Stephens, NASA AFRC
- David Glass, NASA LaRC
- Nate Olson, NASA JSC
- Stan Bouslog, NASA JSC
- Tim Wright, Amentum (Thermal Protection System Facility)
- Vishnu Oruganti, Amentum (NASA JSC)
- Don Ellerby, NASA ARC
- Jay Feldman, NASA ARC
