Wireless Sensors in Thermal Protection Systems

The goal of the University of Idaho's ThermaSense team is to design, build, and test a Thermal Protection System (TPS) wireless sensor system that can be integrated into TPS materials on planetary entry probe missions. Currently if sensors are embedded within Thermal Protection Systems, the sensors must be fully wired to carry power, commands, and data from the sensors to a data collection system within the spacecraft. This current system adds unnecessary weight and has the potential to increase the flight risk. As a result sensors have not been frequently used. To save mass, complexity, and reduce risk, a fully wireless system has been designed and tested.