1,900
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
3,450°F
0.06
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.26
KG/M³
DENSITY
19-25 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
5.0 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
5
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
SLA-561V is a ablative thermal protection system by Lockheed Martin. Rated to 1,900°C. Status: Active.
ABOUT SLA-561V
SLA-561V (Super Lightweight Ablator) is a low-density ablative material developed by Lockheed Martin for Mars entry vehicles. It has been used on every NASA Mars lander from Viking to Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity). The material is a silicone-based cork-filled ablator applied in a honeycomb structure.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeAblative
Max Temperature1,900°C (3,450°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.06 W/m·K
AblativeYes
ReusableNo
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.26 kg/m³
Thickness19-25 mm
Mass per Area5.0 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Silicone binder, cork, silica, phenolic microballoons in Flexcore honeycomb
VEHICLES USING SLA-561V
Viking 1/2
Mars Pathfinder
MER Spirit/Opportunity
Mars Phoenix
Mars Science Laboratory
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionViking 1
First FlightJuly 20, 1976
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
StatusActive
