Thermal protection system with staggered joints
US8714491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/58
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The thermal protection system disclosed herein is suitable for use with a spacecraft such as a reentry module or vehicle, where the spacecraft has a convex surface to be protected. An embodiment of the thermal protection system includes a plurality of heat resistant panels, each having an outer surface configured for exposure to atmosphere, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and configured for attachment to the convex surface of the spacecraft, and a joint edge defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The joint edges of adjacent ones of the heat resistant panels are configured to mate with each other to form staggered joints that run between the peak of the convex surface and the base section of the convex surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.