Researchers watch spacecraft heat shield ablation in real time at Berkeley Lab
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory used an X-ray tomography instrument to observe spacecraft heat shield degradation under realistic reentry conditions.
New method captures microscopic changes
Researchers found a way to watch the ablation process happen in real time. They utilized a sample environment that independently controls temperature, pressure and gas mixture. This setup recreates the evolving conditions a shield faces during atmospheric reentry.
Images improve thermal protection models
Findings from the recent study provide detailed, time-lapse 3D images of the degradation process. These new visuals help engineers model and design better thermal protection systems for future space missions. The work includes data relevant to NASA's recent Artemis missions.
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