Thermal protection strategies for hypersonic space vehicles: aerothermodynamics, TPS configurations, and performance effects

Authors

  • Ms. Sakshi Rajput Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehradun
  • Ms. Charu Soni Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehradun
  • Mr. Paarthepan K Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehraudun
  • Mr. Siddhardha Reddy Chirapureddy Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehradun
  • Mr. Ankit Kumar Mishra Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehradun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2362-8146

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37868/dss.v7.id324

Abstract

The Thermal Protection System (TPS) is one of the essential parts for visualizing the aerothermodynamic effect for a hypersonic moving body, i.e., M > 5. This detailed review paper deals with discussing the importance of aerothermodynamic effects, presents an overview of TPS, and highlights the key points on the influence of aerodynamic performance. The incorporation of TPS materials alters surface roughness, vehicle contour, mass distribution, and structural stiffness, thereby affecting drag, lift-to-drag ratio, boundary layer transition, and overall flight efficiency. The review aims to provide a cohesive understanding of the interdependence between aerothermodynamics, TPS material behavior, and aerodynamic performance, thereby supporting advanced design strategies for next-generation hypersonic space transportation systems.

Author Biography

Mr. Ankit Kumar Mishra, Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE) Dehradun

Mr. Ankit Kumar Mishra is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (IIAE), Dehradun. He is also serving as an Executive Director and Research Advisor at ASTROEX RESEARCH ASSOCIATION holding three years of research experience. His research interests lies in Aerospace, Aeronautics, Polymeric Materials and Biomaterials. He is also assigned as Reviewer for four peer review journals. He has published 50+ research papers in several International Journals as well as Conferences. He holds Life Membership for LIPS RESEARCH FOUNDATION, ISET RESEARCH and EUROVIA LPU. 

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Published

2026-03-13

How to Cite

[1]
S. Rajput, C. Soni, P. K, S. Reddy Chirapureddy, and A. K. Mishra, “Thermal protection strategies for hypersonic space vehicles: aerothermodynamics, TPS configurations, and performance effects”, Defense and Security Studies, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 123–137, Mar. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ms. Sakshi Rajput, Ms. Charu Soni, Mr. Paarthepan K, Mr. Siddhardha Reddy Chirapureddy, Mr. Ankit Kumar Mishra

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