1,750
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
3,182°F
0.04
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.19
KG/M³
DENSITY
12-25 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
3.6 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
3
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
SIRCA is a ablative thermal protection system by NASA Ames Research Center. Rated to 1,750°C. Status: Active.
ABOUT SIRCA
SIRCA (Silicone Impregnated Reusable Ceramic Ablator) is a lightweight ablative material developed at NASA Ames Research Center. It is a monolithic material that can be machined to custom shapes without a honeycomb substrate. SIRCA was used on the backshell of the Mars Pathfinder and Stardust sample return capsule.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeAblative
Max Temperature1,750°C (3,182°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.04 W/m·K
AblativeYes
ReusablePartially
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.19 kg/m³
Thickness12-25 mm
Mass per Area3.6 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Silica aerogel tile impregnated with silicone resin
VEHICLES USING SIRCA
Mars Pathfinder
Stardust
Various probe backshells
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionMars Pathfinder
First FlightJuly 4, 1997
ManufacturerNASA Ames Research Center
StatusActive
