1,400
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
2,550°F
0.07
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.36
KG/M³
DENSITY
6-12 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
3.6 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
3
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
SPAM (SLA Spray-On) is a ablative (spray-on) thermal protection system by Lockheed Martin. Rated to 1,400°C. Status: Active.
ABOUT SPAM (SLA SPRAY-ON)
SPAM (Spray-on Protective Ablative Material) is a sprayable variant of the SLA ablative material used on the aft heat shield of Mars entry vehicles. It can be applied to complex curved surfaces where tile or block ablators are difficult to bond. SPAM provides effective thermal protection for moderate heat flux environments during planetary entry.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeAblative (Spray-On)
Max Temperature1,400°C (2,550°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.07 W/m·K
AblativeYes
ReusableNo
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.36 kg/m³
Thickness6-12 mm
Mass per Area3.6 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Sprayable silicone elastomer with cork and silica fillers
VEHICLES USING SPAM (SLA SPRAY-ON)
Mars Pathfinder (backshell)
MER Spirit/Opportunity (backshell)
Mars Phoenix (backshell)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionMars Pathfinder
First FlightJuly 4, 1997
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
StatusActive
OTHER ABLATIVE (SPRAY-ON) TPS
