Area of Interest (AOI): 1. Hypersonics
Innovation: The HERCULES Project (Hypersonic Engineered Reusable Ceramic Ultra-Lightweight Enduring System) is redefining the future of reusable hypersonic flight. By combining breakthrough materials science with cutting-edge engineering, HERCULES enables next-generation ultra-hightemperature coatings capable of withstanding extreme aerothermal environments exceeding 3,000°C. This innovation unlocks new frontiers for defense, aerospace, and energy systems, powering the development of faster, lighter, and more enduring vehicles capable of tackling missions once thought impossible.
Objective: HERCULES is focused on developing durable, lightweight, and oxidation-resistant thermal protection systems that meet the unprecedented demands of reusable hypersonic vehicles. The project integrates innovative materials engineering, advanced computational modeling, and highperformance testing to deliver a reliable and scalable solution for reusable hypersonic flight. By pushing next-generation thermal protection technologies toward Technology Readiness Level 5, HERCULES strengthens the U.S. industrial base and accelerates transition into future Department of Defense programs and commercial aerospace applications.
Background: Hypersonic vehicles represent the next frontier of aerospace innovation; however, extreme thermal, chemical, and structural environments continue to limit performance, reusability, and mission capability. Today’s materials are unable to endure repeated high-speed flight and intense aerothermal conditions without failure. HERCULES directly addresses this challenge by developing revolutionary coating solutions designed for high-performance hypersonic systems. Through strong collaboration among AsterTech (Prime), Ohio State University, Cleveland State University, and Air Force Research Laboratory, the project leverages Ohio’s growing innovation ecosystem to advance U.S. leadership in hypersonics manufacturing and research. HERCULES will also create high-skill jobs in Ohio, foster future opportunities for follow-on funding, and position the region as a hub for next-generation aerospace technologies with dual-use potential across defense, energy, and space sectors.
