NASA Testing

During the week of October 15 multiple ablator samples were exposed to the concentrated solar beam.  The samples were provided by NASA via Work for Others agreement.  Some of the samples were five-inches in diameter and others were 12-inches square.  The samples were exposed to 150-200 W/cm2 flux levels for up to 300 seconds using between 80 and 190 heliostats at 4 aimpoints.  Additional testing will occur prior to the end of the calendar year on 12 and 24 inch samples.  (Cheryl Ghanbari, cghanba@sandia.gov,   505-845-3426)