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NASA Invention of the Year Awards

2023

3-Dimensional Multifunctional Ablative Thermal Protection System (3D-MAT)

A thermal protection material developed as a critical component of Orion, NASA’s newest spacecraft built for human deep space missions. It is able to maintain a high level of strength while enduring extreme temperatures during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere at the end of Artemis missions to the Moon. 3D-MAT has become an essential piece of technology for NASA’s Artemis campaign that will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon and prepare for human expeditions to Mars, for the benefit of all.

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On the 19th day of the Artemis I mission, the Moon grows larger in frame as Orion prepares for the return powered flyby on Dec. 5, when it will pass approximately 79 miles above the lunar surface.
On the 19th day of the Artemis I mission, the Moon grows larger in frame as Orion prepares for the return powered flyby on Dec. 5, when it will pass approximately 79 miles above the lunar surface. This image includes both the Orion crew module and service module, connected by the compression pad that utilizes the 3D-MAT material.
NASA

2022

NASA Technology Transfer System (NTTS)

An enterprise web framework for streamlining the Agency’s technology transfer process, which aims to find the widest possible applications for NASA technology through partnerships and licensing agreements with industry, academia, and other U.S. governmental agencies.

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NASA Technology Transfer System

2012

NANOSENSOR

High Sensitive, Low Power and Compact Nano Sensors for Trace Chemical Species Detection.

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Nanosensor

2012

TUFROC

First Lightweight, Low Cost, Flight Proven, Reusable TPS with Sustained Operational Capabilities at Temperatures above 3000° F. 

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PICA/SIRCA & TUFROC Award
Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Reinforced Oxidation-Resistant Composite (TUFROC)

2007

PICA/SIRCA

Lightweight Ceramic Ablator and Low-density Resin Impregnated Article and Method of Making Same.

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Phenolic-Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA/SIRCA)