Spacecraft thermal protection

Spacecraft thermal protection systems (TPS) are designed to control temperatures and shield spacecraft and their instruments from extreme heat and cold in space. When returning to Earth or entering other planets’ atmospheres, they experience intense heat due to friction. TPS materials, like specialized tiles or ablative shields, absorb, reflect, or dissipate this heat to prevent damage. They act like a heat barrier, ensuring the spacecraft remains at safe temperatures, preserving its structure and equipment during critical phases like re-entry, while also protecting against the cold in shadowed areas of space.