SpaceX has highlighted the critical role of heat shields in protecting spacecraft during their return to Earth. The company explained that spacecraft rely on Earth’s atmosphere to slow down during re-entry, generating extremely high temperatures that can damage the vehicle without adequate protection.
According to the company, spacecraft returning from orbital speeds can experience temperatures of about 1,650°C (3,000°F), while vehicles returning from missions to the Moon may face temperatures as high as 2,750°C (5,000°F).
For the latest Starship suborbital test flight conducted on Thursday, the spacecraft reached a peak temperature of approximately 1,450°C (2,600°F) during re-entry. The test provided another opportunity to evaluate the performance of the vehicle’s heat shield system under extreme conditions.
SpaceX noted that significant progress has been made over the last three Starship test flights. The company emphasized that achieving full reusability remains a complex challenge but is essential for making long-term space travel more affordable and accessible.
