Heat shield installed for Artemis 2 moon mission (photo)

[Admin]

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center have attached the heat shield to the Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft, which will send astronauts around the moon for the first time in over fifty years.

Heat shield installed for Artemis 2 moon mission (photo) : Read more

 

[Wisetoe]

A KINETIC ENERGY CONVERTER (KEC)
When material science improves, Starships returning to Earth will have a different heat dissipation. One that is efficient and simple.
My suggestion is an additional outer skin on each section. A ten mm clearance is required to house thousands of nine mm long radial spikes pointing inwards, thus magnifying heat dissipation.
Superheated steam can be ejected through external venturis to add thrust against the atmosphere. Heat tiles can be minimized because the best part is no part.

PS This KEC could be used on the Orion. Would someone do the mathematics? KE[1/2mv(2)] = Latent Heat of Super Heated Steam. This leads to kgs of water required to replace the heat tiles.

 

[Wisetoe]

A Slip-on Heat Shield


Now that a rethinking of theStarship's heat shield is occurring, SpaceX must be tempted to swap 28,000 tiles for a Slip-0n Heat Shield that has been separately launched into Space. Exotic designs could be created without the weight constraints of having it attached to the Starship.The kinetic energy could possibly be stored for some Earthly or Martian use.


One idea is the Kinetic EnergyConverter previously mentioned.


Comments are greatly appreciated,


Wisetoe. December, 2024

 

[Wisetoe]

15/01/25


An Orbital Refuelling Space Station


I admit I am an omega trying to copy the alpha, and I think that hanging all that weight on a rocket for it's return to Earth violates the principle of simplicity.


Why pick the most violent environment; the last 100kms to ditch the kinetic energy? I know I will be crucified by all who know better, but tell me what is wrong with using the much friendlier vacuum of open space.