RECOVERABLE THERMAL MATERIALS TESTBED

Need a flight test solution for evaluating thermal protection materials and hot structures at hypersonic speeds? SpaceWorks’ RED-Phoenix is a recoverable flight testbed designed to conduct testing of advanced leading edge materials, nose caps, sensor windows, and fins at relevant flight conditions. Our goal is to work with the R&D community to help raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is these advanced TPS materials and thermal structures to TRL 6.  

 

RED-Phoenix requires a separate booster, but is designed to be compatible with several low cost booster options. It flies a ballistic trajectory and uses a built-in supersonic decelerator and a subsonic parachute for recovery. 

Overview

  • Recoverable hypersonic testbed for thermal materials R&D 
  • Unpowered, ballistic trajectory 
  • Compatible with several low-cost booster options 

Technical

  • Gross mass < 30 kg 
  • Replicates reentry, hypersonic cruise, and/or terminal phase trajectory segments 
  • Capable of nose heating conditions > 1000 W/cm2 
  • On-board data collection and data storage system (recoverable) 

Status

  • Initial funding from the US Air Force (AFWERX SBIR) 
  • Conceptual design complete 

Ready For Launch?

Contact us today to see how we can help you get your project off the ground.

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