NASA analysis confirms Artemis II heat shield performed as expected

NASA announced additional engineering data analysis confirmed the Orion spacecraft's heat shield performed as expected during Artemis II. The mission sent four astronauts around the Moon and brought them safely back to Earth. The analysis followed extensive post-flight inspections at NASA facilities.

The agency measured whether the thermal protection system effectively safeguarded the crew and Orion systems during reentry. Orion reached a maximum velocity of 39 times the speed of sound and experienced external temperatures exceeding 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The four astronauts inside stayed relatively cool with a cabin temperature in the mid-70 degree Fahrenheit range.

The spacecraft reentered within 192 feet of its targeted entry interface and splashed down 0.59 miles from the predicted landing site off San Diego. Initial inspections found the heat shield performed as expected with significant reduction in cracks and char loss compared to Artemis I.

The heat shield was made of 186 unique blocks of ablative material called Avcoat. Inspectors found only nine spots of char loss on the Artemis II heat shield compared to 103 during Artemis I. The agency said the reduction in cracking and char loss was by a factor of ten.

The analysis confirmed Orion's aerodynamic and aerothermal performance was in line with engineering predictions. The backshell, made up of 1,300 ceramic tiles, also performed as expected. Visual inspections showed features designed to seal and protect penetrations such as windows, vents, thrusters, and the side hatch met expectations.

The agency said upgrades were made to the heat shield design for Artemis III to achieve uniformity and consistent permeability of the Avcoat blocks. Technicians attached the heat shield for Artemis III at NASA Kennedy in early July. The crew and service modules were joined at the end of July.

Artemis III is planned for next year in low Earth orbit. The mission will launch with NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas, and ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano. They will rendezvous with human lander test articles from Blue Origin and SpaceX.