NASA to test 12 next-gen heat shields during Cygnus XL re-entry

NASA will test 12 experimental heat shield capsules during the controlled re-entry of the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, which departed the ISS on October 9. The capsules, built by University of Kentucky students, will collect temperature, pressure and motion data on October 12; materials include a 3D-printed shield and the new MERINO family.

• Cygnus XL left the ISS on October 9, re-entry set for October 12
• 12 KREPE-3 capsules were designed by University of Kentucky students
• Tests include a 3D-printed shield and MERINO carbon-phenolic materials
• One capsule mirrors the aeroshell planned for the Dragonfly mission to Titan