Mike Mastaler
Papers
1
Total Citations
16
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Mike Mastaler is a leading aerospace engineer specializing in atmospheric entry systems and thermal protection materials. His work is critical to enabling safe spacecraft passage through planetary atmospheres for both human and robotic missions. His most influential contribution, the 2013 paper "Evaluation of the NASA ARC Jet Capabilities to Support Mission Requirements" (16 citations), provides a foundational assessment of NASA's arc jet facilities—the only ground-based tools capable of replicating the extreme heating conditions of hypersonic entry. This research directly supports mission planning by defining facility limits for testing heat shield materials, ensuring that spacecraft can withstand the brutal thermal loads of Earth and planetary reentry. Dr. Mastaler's expertise bridges the gap between theoretical aerothermodynamics and practical mission assurance, making him a key figure in NASA's strategic goals for exploration. His work has informed the design of thermal protection systems for sample return and crewed vehicles, underscoring his impact on the safety and success of high-stakes atmospheric entry missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Evaluation of the NASA ARC Jet Capabilities to Support Mission Requirements16 citations · 2013