An example of a nanoballoon thermal protection system includes a refractory ceramic foam having carbide balloons. The foam has a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the foam. Each of the carbide balloons is hollow and has a diameter greater than 0 nm and less than 900 nm. Each of the carbide balloons includes a refractory carbide. In addition, a vehicle with thermal shield includes a surface and a first and second nanoballoon closed cell foam coatings. Each of the foam coatings has a melting point temperature greater than 1000° C. and a density less than 85%. Each of the foam coatings has hollow balloons having a diameter less than 900 nm. Each of the foam coatings includes a closed cell structure not allowing liquid to penetrate through the respective coating. Methods for manufacturing a nanoballoon system and a nanoballoon thermal protection system are also disclosed.