Thermal protection is a research area that focuses on developing materials and systems to protect against extreme temperatures. This can include protecting against high temperatures, such as those encountered during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, or low temperatures, such as those encountered in outer space. The goal of thermal protection research is to minimize heat transfer and maintain a stable temperature within a given environment, while also ensuring the safety and functionality of the materials and systems being protected. This research area is important for a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial processes.