Description: Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (C-PICA) is an ablative material developed by NASA for use as reentry heat shield thermal protection. Via a Tipping Point award, Varda will pursue commercial production of C-PICA, as well as test in-flight performance of both Varda and NASA-produced C-PICA. Use of C-PICA is integral to Varda’s mission of facilitating in-space production of materials aboard their capsule and subsequent return to Earth.

Benefits: Commercialization of C-PICA thermal protection system production.