A rendering of NASA’s Orion spacecraft making its way back to Earth’s atmosphere. A heat shield is integral to safeguard the spacecraft from the intense heat it will encounter during its return journey. Credit: NASA
On the 25th of June, 2023, the Artemis II Orion spacecraft saw successful installation of its heat shield at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This indispensable element, with a diameter of 16.5 feet, guarantees the protection of astronauts on board by safeguarding the spacecraft from extreme external temperatures reaching as high as 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit during reentry.
On the same day, inside the spacious high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, the heat shield installation for the Artemis II Orion spacecraft was finalized at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The 16.5-foot-wide heat shield plays a vital role in the Orion spacecraft, providing a safe return for the astronauts aboard. When the spacecraft makes its return from its lunar orbit mission, it will hit speeds around 25,000 mph and endure external temperatures near 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,700 degrees Celsius). However, within the spacecraft, the astronauts will experience a much more agreeable temperature in the mid-70s, thanks to Orion’s thermal protection system.
The Artemis II Orion spacecraft’s heat shield installation was recently accomplished at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: NASA/Cory Huston
Next on the agenda, the spacecraft will receive some of its outer panels in preparation for the upcoming acoustic testing scheduled for later this summer. These tests are designed to confirm the crew module’s resilience to the vibrations it will encounter throughout the Artemis II mission, from launch to flight and landing.
After the completion of the acoustic testing, the crew module will be affixed to Orion’s service module, signifying a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission. This mission is the first manned flight under the Artemis program and will evaluate all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed expeditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Artemis II Orion Heat Shield Installation
What significant development recently took place with the Artemis II Orion spacecraft?
The Artemis II Orion spacecraft recently had its heat shield successfully installed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
When was the heat shield installed on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft?
The heat shield was installed on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft on June 25, 2023.
Where was the heat shield installed on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft?
The heat shield installation took place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
What is the importance of the heat shield for the Artemis II Orion spacecraft?
The 16.5-foot-wide heat shield is a crucial component that ensures the safety of astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft by protecting it from external temperatures up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit during reentry.
What will happen after the installation of the heat shield?
Following the installation of the heat shield, the spacecraft will be fitted with some of its outer panels in preparation for acoustic testing. Once this testing is completed, the crew module will be attached to Orion’s service module, a significant step in the Artemis II mission.
What is the Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II mission is the first manned mission under the Artemis program, which will test and evaluate all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
More about Artemis II Orion Heat Shield Installation
- NASA’s Artemis Program
- NASA’s Orion Spacecraft
- NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
- Understanding Spacecraft Heat Shield Technology
