Science
NASA reports Artemis II heat shield performed successfully during atmospheric reentry
Following concerns over material loss during a 2022 test flight, the spacecraft safely returned its crew from a lunar mission.
The short version
- The Artemis II spacecraft's ablative heat shield performed well during atmospheric reentry, following adjustments made to the spacecraft's return trajectory.
- The heat shield design had drawn scrutiny after unexpectedly losing large chunks of material during an uncrewed test flight in late 2022.
- Commander Reid Wiseman and the Artemis II crew safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after completing a trip around the Moon.
Key facts
- The ablative heat shield on the Artemis II spacecraft successfully protected the capsule during its atmospheric reentry.[Ars Technica]
- The heat shield design experienced unexpected material loss during a late 2022 test flight, leading NASA to adjust the reentry trajectory for Artemis II rather than redesign the shield.[Ars Technica]
- The Artemis II mission, commanded by Reid Wiseman, concluded with a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean following a lunar flyby.[Ars Technica]