# NASA Demonstrates Heat Shield Technologies

NASA and research partners demonstrated experimental thermal-protection technologies through KREPE-3, a low-cost test that sent capsules aboard a cargo spacecraft departing the International Space Station. The tests covered new materials, 3D-printed heat shields, deployable designs, and sensors for spacecraft re-entry. For aerospace contractors, the demonstration provides technical insight into areas NASA is exploring, but the signal identifies no solicitation, award value, or procurement timeline; it should be treated as technology-development intelligence rather than an active buying opportunity.

- The demonstrated capabilities span aerospace materials, additive manufacturing, instrumentation, and re-entry systems—areas relevant to suppliers developing spacecraft thermal-protection technologies.
- Northrop Grumman is identified as the cargo resupply mission provider, but no contract award or new procurement action is reported in this signal.
- Companies can use the test focus areas to assess how their existing technologies align with NASA’s thermal-protection research; the signal does not specify a proposal deadline or procurement pathway.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- NASA Ames Research Center (Ames)
- NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
- State of Kentucky

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman (Cargo resupply mission provider)

### Key Quotes
> We are supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers as they develop unique projects that benefit their education and NASA’s mission goals.
> — David Berger, EPSCoR Program Manager at NASA Headquarters

### Sources
- [NASA Demonstrates Next-Generation Heat Shield Technologies - NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/nasa-demonstrates-next-generation-heat-shield-technologies/) - NASA