What is a heat shield? NASA’s critical protection for Artemis II return

TechnologySpace
10 Apr 2026 • 5:58 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What is a heat shield? NASA’s critical protection for Artemis II return

  • NASA leaders have expressed “high confidence” in the Artemis II crew spacecraft's heat shield ahead of its historic return.
  • The heat shield is a critical component of the Orion capsule, designed to protect the crew from temperatures reaching up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit during high-speed descent.
  • The first uncrewed Artemis flight encountered issues with its heat shield, including cracks caused by gases unable to vent properly.
  • Since the initial problems, the heat shield has undergone extensive testing to ensure its reliability.
  • Amit Kshatriya, NASA's associate administrator, affirmed that confidence in the technology is supported by engineering, Artemis I flight data, ground tests, and analysis.

IN FULL

Artemis II live: NASA says it has ‘high confidence’ in heat shield as astronauts prepare for Friday splashdown

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