Scientists get real-time look inside spacecraft heat shields under extreme heat

Researchers developed a method to observe ablation of spacecraft heat shields in real time at temperatures above 1,650 °C. The work aims to improve modeling of material behavior during hypersonic atmospheric reentry.

• Heat shields endure temperatures above 1,650 °C during reentry
• Ablation sacrifices outer layers to carry heat away from the vehicle
• Real-time observation could improve material models