Sandia National Laboratories Evaluates Heat Shields for NASA Missions

Sandia National Laboratories is currently assessing heat shields for NASA missions, such as the Mars Sample Return and Titan missions, utilizing their National Solar Thermal Test Facility. This facility harnesses solar energy to replicate the extreme heat conditions experienced during atmospheric reentry and hypersonic flight. This method offers a cost-effective and accurate way to test materials for heat shields.

The testing of heat shield materials is essential to ensure the safety and success of spacecraft that carry important payloads. One such mission is the Mars Sample Return mission, which has the objective of bringing back Martian rock samples to Earth. The tests conducted at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility play a critical role in achieving this goal.