NASA photo shows reduced Orion heat shield charring after Artemis II splashdown
Updated
Updated · Digital Camera World · Apr 26
NASA photo shows reduced Orion heat shield charring after Artemis II splashdown
6 articles · Updated · Digital Camera World · Apr 26
The image, taken by US Navy divers off San Diego on April 10, 2026, documents the heat shield’s underside following the crewed Artemis II mission.
NASA reports both the photo and subsequent inspections revealed significantly less charring than seen on Artemis I, indicating successful improvements after earlier concerns about the shield’s durability.
With Artemis II’s heat shield performing well, NASA states it is on track for future missions, including Artemis III in 2027, though recent reports suggest Artemis III may not land on the Moon as originally planned.
What redesigns will make future Artemis heat shields safer and more reliable?
Was the Artemis II heat shield truly fixed, or just a successful workaround?
Beyond the heat shield, what was the mission's most surprising scientific discovery?
Can single-use technology like Avcoat ever support a permanent Moon base?
What's the biggest hurdle for a 2028 human Moon return?
How is NASA's commercial strategy changing the race back to the Moon?