Aerospace vehicles are rapidly evolving towards higher speeds, reusability, and lighter weight. Consequently, thermal protection systems face severe challenges, including extreme temperatures, repeated ablation, and mechanical loads. Ultra−high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) are regarded as an ideal material for next−generation reusable thermal protection, due to key advantages such as high melting point, excellent ablation resistance, low density, high strength, and high reliability. This paper systematically reviews the main categories of thermal protection materials for aerospace vehicles and analyzes the performance requirements for reusable systems. The discussion focuses on recent research progress in the most promising UHTCMCs, particularly regarding resistance to repeated ablation. Key aspects covered include material composition design and optimization, fiber and interface tailoring, lightweight and integrated structure−function design, and advanced fabrication processes. Studies indicate that the repeated ablation resistance and structural reliability of UHTCMCs have been significantly improved. These advances result from composition optimization methods−such as multi−phase compounding, rare−earth modification, and high−entropy design−combined with innovative fiber and interface engineering. Looking ahead, further research should address several key challenges: understanding performance degradation under long−term cyclic thermal−mechanical coupling, enhancing the durability of fibers and interfaces in oxidative environments, developing life prediction and assessment methods, and advancing low−cost, efficient manufacturing. Cross−scale mechanistic studies and engineering application efforts in these areas are essential to enable the practical use of UHTCMCs in advanced reusable aerospace vehicles.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |