1,200
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
2,190°F
0.10
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.22
KG/M³
DENSITY
50 mm (multi-layer)
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
4.5 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
2
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
Nextel/SiC (Stardust WSIM) is a multi-layer shield thermal protection system by 3M / NASA JPL. Rated to 1,200°C. Status: Heritage.
ABOUT NEXTEL/SIC (STARDUST WSIM)
The Stardust Whipple Shield Impact Material consisted of Nextel 440 ceramic fabric layers and silicon carbide foam used as part of a multi-layer meteoroid and debris shielding system. Originally designed to capture cometary particles at hypervelocity, this shielding concept demonstrated effectiveness at protecting against micrometeoroid impacts during the Stardust mission.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeMulti-Layer Shield
Max Temperature1,200°C (2,190°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.10 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.22 kg/m³
Thickness50 mm (multi-layer)
Mass per Area4.5 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Nextel 440 ceramic fabric, SiC foam, and aerogel layers
VEHICLES USING NEXTEL/SIC (STARDUST WSIM)
Stardust
ISS (Whipple shield concept adaptation)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionStardust
First FlightFebruary 7, 1999
Manufacturer3M / NASA JPL
StatusHeritage
