Blueshift to Showcase Advanced Thermal Protection Systems at Space Tech Expo 2026

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Thermal protection specialist to highlight spacecraft thermal management solutions for next-generation satellites and emerging orbital data centres

(Anaheim Convention Center, Space Tech Expo 2026, 2-4 June) Blueshift, a leading developer of advanced thermal protection systems (TPS) for the aerospace and space sectors, will use this year's Space Tech Expo 2026 to demonstrate how innovative thermal protection technologies can support the next generation of satellite platforms and the growing demand for orbital data centres.

As the space industry continues to evolve, thermal management is becoming an increasingly critical design consideration. From commercial satellite constellations and deep-space missions to emerging space-based computing infrastructure, maintaining thermal stability in extreme orbital environments is essential for mission reliability and operational performance.

At Space Tech Expo 2026, Blueshift will showcase its latest thermal protection technologies and discuss the challenges facing spacecraft manufacturers as they seek to manage heat in increasingly complex and demanding applications.

Recognition for AeroZero Tapes Technology

A key highlight of the event will take place on the second day of the exhibition with the announcement of the winners of the inaugural Aviation Week Space Tech Challenge Awards. Blueshift has been named a finalist in the Commercialisation category for its AeroZero Tapes product, recognising the company's contribution to advancing thermal protection solutions for the modern space industry.

The recognition reflects growing industry interest in lightweight, high-performance thermal materials that can help improve spacecraft efficiency while supporting increasingly ambitious mission objectives.

Addressing the Thermal Challenges of Orbital Data Centres

Also on the second day of the event, Tim Burbey, Co-Founder and President of Blueshift, will appear on the Technology Conference Stage as part of a panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers: Bringing space-based data centers to life.”

The session will explore one of the most talked-about developments within the space and technology sectors: orbital data centres.

Interest in space-based data centres has accelerated in recent years as organisations investigate new ways to meet growing computing and artificial intelligence requirements. Potential advantages include access to abundant solar power, reduced reliance on terrestrial infrastructure and opportunities to support future space-based communications and computing networks.

However, these benefits come with significant engineering challenges.

Unlike terrestrial facilities, spacecraft operate in the vacuum of space where traditional cooling methods are ineffective. The absence of atmospheric convection means that thermal control systems must be specifically engineered to manage heat generation and dissipation while maintaining system reliability over extended mission durations.

For spacecraft designers, satellite manufacturers and mission operators, thermal management remains one of the most critical technical barriers to enabling large-scale orbital computing infrastructure.

Thermal Protection Systems Supporting Future Space Missions

For Blueshift, these emerging requirements reinforce the growing importance of thermal protection systems that are lightweight, high-performing and specifically engineered for the realities of spaceflight.

The company specialises in advanced thermal materials designed to improve spacecraft thermal stability and protect sensitive onboard systems exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Blueshift's technologies are engineered to withstand transient temperatures ranging from -100°C to +120°C, helping maintain performance in some of the harshest operating conditions encountered in orbit.

As satellites become more sophisticated and mission durations increase, thermal protection materials are playing a vital role in ensuring the reliability of electronics, communications equipment, sensors and onboard computing systems.

Commenting on the challenges associated with cooling space-based data centres, Tim Burbey, Co-Founder and President of Blueshift, said:

“Cooling data centers in space is a hard engineering problem — but it’s a solvable one. The physics are unforgiving. No convection, no atmosphere, and thermal swings that would destroy conventional materials. But we’ve been managing extreme thermal environments in space for decades. What’s needed now is applying those advances at data center scale with the cost and weight constraints that commercial space demands.”

Supporting the Future of Commercial Space Development

Blueshift's participation at Space Tech Expo 2026 forms part of the company's broader commitment to supporting reliable, long-duration missions operating in increasingly challenging orbital environments.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity for spacecraft designers, aerospace engineers, satellite manufacturers and industry decision-makers to learn more about the company's AeroZero® thermal protection system portfolio and discuss how advanced material technologies can help overcome the thermal challenges associated with future commercial space projects.

As demand continues to grow for satellite thermal management solutions, spacecraft insulation technologies and advanced aerospace materials, innovations in thermal protection systems are expected to play a central role in enabling the next generation of commercial space infrastructure.

Visitors can meet the Blueshift team at booth 328 throughout the exhibition. The Breaking Barriers: Bringing space-based data centers to life panel discussion will take place on 3 June at 1pm.