Small Probe Reentry Investigation for TPS Engineering (SPRITE)

Small Probe Reentry Investigation for TPS Engineering (SPRITE) is a novel concept for a comparatively low-cost means of certifying thermal protection system (TPS) materials for spaceflight. By developing a fully instrumented small-scale test platform that can be tested both in arc-jet facilities and in flight, SPRITE promises to improve the ground-to-flight traceability of TPS qualification programs by implementing the NASA “test-like-you-fly” policy. This paper discusses the design and manufacture of the proof-of-concept SPRITE test articles, development and capabilities of the SPRITE flight-like data acquisition system, and fidelity of the design tools used in the effort. With the successful completion of this stage of the SPRITE project, the next test article to be built will have a hemispherical backshell as originally designed for flight stability. Unlike the initial proof-of-concept probes, TPS for the next test article will be scaled according to current margins policies for arc-jet testing at relevant flight-like aerothermal environments. At the conclusion of the ground test campaign, SPRITE probes will be ready for flight testing and, ultimately, acceptance into future mission planning where they will contribute to more affordable access to space for both large and small science payloads.