Thomas Ackerman

Materials Challenges for Reusable Hardware and Sustainable Processes for Heavy Space Launch Systems in the 21st Century The Apollo and Space Shuttle programs are two examples where technical barriers were broken and significant materials and processing advances were made in a relatively short period of time. Today we undergo another boost in materials science and manufacturing technologies with the private sector becoming a key player in launch vehicles, space transport, space stations, and lunar landers. In order to drive the cost of space travel down significantly, the launch systems must be both reusable and efficient. They must also be as lightweight as practical, and withstand the mechanical rigors of multiple launches, the thermal stresses of re-entry, and corrosion issues related to oceanic recovery. This talk will focus on these challenges, and some of the steps being taken to overcome them.