Heat Shields

Heat shields are protective materials that are used to protect spacecraft and their occupants from the extreme heat generated during atmospheric re-entry. During re-entry, the spacecraft is traveling at high speeds and encounters friction with the Earth's atmosphere, which generates heat that can reach temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat shields are designed to absorb and dissipate this heat, preventing it from damaging the spacecraft and its occupants. They are typically made of materials such as ceramic tiles, ablative materials, or composite materials, and are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of re-entry. Heat shields are a critical component of spacecraft design, as they ensure the safety of the crew and the success of the mission.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
  • Skin Friction Drag: In the context of aerospace engineering, Skin Friction Drag refers to the resistance experienced by an aircraft or spacecraft as it moves through the air or space. It is a component of parasitic drag and is caused by the friction between th ... Read More >>
  • Spacecraft Propulsion: Spacecraft propulsion is the method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites in outer space. There are several methods of spacecraft propulsion, including chemical rockets, electric propulsion, and nuclear propulsion. Chemica ... Read More >>
  • Low-level Waste: Low-level waste (LLW) is a term used to describe radioactive waste that contains small amounts of short-lived radioactivity. This type of waste is generated from hospitals, research facilities, nuclear power plants, and other industries tha ... Read More >>
Top News

Bestselling author explains the science of happiness: "You can do the work"...

Bestselling author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks opens up about how enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning in life can increase a person's wellbeing....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-18

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. H...

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-15

You can't put a price on the sense of awe particle physics inspires...

Astronomy and particle physics are no longer seen as vital by the US establishment, so funding has fallen. But our work creates a sense of wonder, and wonder matters, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-11-13

If you want to stretch your gift game into days this holiday, check out these ad...

The advent calendar phenomenon is growing every year, with so many exciting, fun, beautiful, and delicious options available...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-04

November brings a bonanza of meteor showers...

November brings a skywatching bonanza, with three meteor showers — the Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids and Orionids — offering chances to see shooting stars....

News Source: NBC News on 2024-11-02