The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking innovative solutions for affordable Thermal Protection Solutions (TPS) aimed at enhancing Rocket Cargo materiel transport missions, particularly for payloads in the 1 to 10 metric ton range. The objective is to develop low-cost, expendable external TPS or internal thermal management systems that ensure payload survivability during atmospheric reentry, avoiding the complexities and high costs associated with human-rated systems. This initiative is crucial for reshaping the industrial base towards cost-effective thermal protection technologies, facilitating rapid and efficient transport of materials for military and commercial applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website, with the solicitation set to open on July 23, 2025, and applications due by August 20, 2025.