NASA has initiated the Kentucky Reentry Probe Experiment-3 (KREPE-3) to test 12 experimental heat shield capsules. The experiment involves the Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo ship, which departed the International Space Station on October 9. The spacecraft is scheduled to disintegrate upon atmospheric reentry on October 12.
Each capsule is equipped with sensors to measure temperature, pressure, motion, magnetic fields, and light. Data will be transmitted via satellite links, allowing researchers to evaluate material performance in real-world conditions. This method avoids the need for dedicated research spacecraft launches.
The test includes 3D-printed heat shields, ceramic tiles similar to those used in the Space Shuttle program, and MERINO materials made of carbon and phenolic fibers. NASA expects these materials to be faster and cheaper to produce than traditional systems, potentially supporting future Mars missions.
Additional capsules will test a conical design with a tungsten tip and an umbrella-shaped deployable heat shield. The latter increases surface area to slow down the craft, which could enable the delivery of larger payloads to other planets. Results will help refine thermal protection models for future lunar and deep space missions.
