- Exploration Technology Directorate
- Entry Systems and Technology   - About
  - Brochure
  - Planetary Mission Entry Vehicle Quick Reference Guide
- Aerothermodynamics
- Thermophysics Facilities   - About
  - Test Schedule
  - Test Planning Information
  - Frequently Asked Questions
- More   - Thermal Protection Materials
  - Entry Systems and Vehicle…  Entry Systems & Technology Division
The Entry Systems  & Technology Division at NASA Ames Research Center develops aeroshell technology from concept to hardware as an integral part of planetary atmospheric entry systems. Division engineers implement and manage all aspects of aeroshell design and development through: analysis to predict the aerothermodynamic performance, development of TPS materials tailored to the aerothermal environments, arc jet testing to verify the performance, and systems level integration of the aeroshell with the reentry vehicle.
                                View Infographic about Entry Systems & Technology DivisionLocation
Moffett Field, CA
NASA
Ames Research Center 
Division Chief
David Hash
  Branches
The Entry Systems and Technology Division consists of four specialized Branches.
Aerothermodynamics
The Aerothermodynamics Branch supports the design and development of advanced entry systems and technologies by providing integrated modeling, simulation, and testing capabilities in the areas of aerothermodynamics, hypersonic and high enthalpy fluid dynamics, shock layer radiation, and thermal protection system (TPS) sizing. The Branch plays an integral role in defining both atmospheric entry environments and the requisite thermal protection solutions.
Branch SiteThermophysics Facilities
The Thermophysics Facilities Branch is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient operation of the Entry Systems and Technology Division’s high enthalpy facilities. These facilities provide unique environmental simulation capability to serve customer-driven aerothermal and thermal response simulation requirements for NASA’s mission directorates. The Branch works collaboratively with potential customers to develop test procedures and techniques that maximize customer value and advance Agency missions.
Branch SiteThermal Protection Materials
The Thermal Protection Materials Branch is responsible for development of new and improvement of existing thermal protection materials, the methods and techniques for characterizing such materials, and the analysis and modeling required to understand the behavior of materials as well as to predict behavior and guide materials development for thermal protection systems (TPS). The Branch combines experiment, fabrication, characterization, evaluation, analysis and modeling to support NASA's mission goals.
Branch SiteEntry Systems and Vehicle Development
The Entry Systems and Vehicle Development Branch is responsible for performing and coordinating systems level integration for existing and future atmospheric entry vehicles. The primary role of the Branch is the direct application of technologies and capabilities to analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate, manufacture, certify and operate atmospheric entry vehicles and systems. The Branch pursues all phases of entry systems and vehicle development from early conceptual and preliminary design, through detailed design, qualification and acceptance, to final certification, systems production and operations. 
Branch Site  				Division Resources			Awards & Patents
Learn more about Division's Awards Patents.
Brochure
Download our Brochure.
Planetary Mission Entry Vehicle Quick Reference Guide
Download our Planetary Mission Entry Vehicle Quick Reference Guide (Blue Book).
Staff Management
Learn more about our staff.
  Supported Missions				All NASA Missions                			ArtemisCommercial Crew Program OverviewMars MissionsDragonfly
Making multiple flights, the Dragonfly dual-quadcopter will explore a variety of locations on Saturn's moon Titan.
Read MoreOSIRIS-REx
OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid. It will return to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023, to drop off material from asteroid Bennu. 
Read MoreDAVINCI
DAVINCI will study Venus from its clouds down to the planet's surface–the first mission to study Venus using both flybys and a descent probe.
Read More  Media10 Images      National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.
- About NASA's Mission
Join Us- Home
- News & Events
- Multimedia
- NASA+
- Missions
- Humans in Space
- Earth & Climate
- The Solar System
- The Universe
- Science
- Aeronautics
- Technology
- Learning Resources
- About NASA
- NASA en Español
Follow NASA-   
-   
-   
-   
- More NASA Social Accounts
- NASA Newsletters
- Sitemap
- For Media
- Privacy Policy
- FOIA
- No FEAR Act
- Office of the IGBudget & Annual Reports
Agency Financial Reports
Contact NASA
Accessibility
-  									Page Last Updated:								  								Nov 15, 2023								 
-  									Page Editor:								  									Albert Huang								 
-  								Responsible NASA Official:							  								Abigail Bowman