This capability makes the Arc Jet Test Facility unique in the world, but it is still unable to fully replicate the stresses that a spacecraft’s heat shield is subjected to during atmospheric entry. Artemis II mission pilot Victor Glover said in an interview with Ars earlier this year that there are some things you won’t know until you fly.
File photo showing arc jet testing of the spacecraft’s heat shield at Ames Research Center.
Credit: NASA
“What we’re doing right now is evaluating what the right approach is for Artemis II in terms of thermal insulation,” Glaze said Monday. “We know what we need to do for future missions, but Artemis II’s heat shield has already been built. So how can we ensure the safety of astronauts on Artemis II? Do you want it?”
This is NASA’s second major human spaceflight safety decision this year, following the agency’s decision to end the first manned test flight of Boeing Co.’s commercial crew capsule without astronauts in the cockpit. The decision is made. Instead, the capsule’s two crew members remained on the International Space Station after NASA administrators were not satisfied with the failure of Starliner’s propulsion system.
they haven’t said
Glaze told a meeting of lunar scientists on Monday that NASA wants to complete additional tests before making a final decision on what to do with Artemis II. The final decision will be made by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, she said.
“We expect additional testing to be completed by the end of November, after which we will consult with administrators and make a final decision on how to proceed,” Glaze said. “We know we all want more information, faster, better. We are moving forward with information as quickly as possible and decisions will be made in the coming days. I guess.”
Attendees at the Lunar Science Conference in Houston asked Glaze if he could explain the root cause of heat shield erosion. “I’m not going to share it right now. Once it’s announced, it’ll all be announced together,” she replied.
Als also asked a NASA spokesperson for more details on the root cause. A spokesperson confirmed that authorities had identified the root cause, but declined to specify the cause, saying the information was “under review” as authorities plan the future path for Artemis II. A spokesperson reiterated Hawkins’ statement that NASA will release more information by the end of the year.
