heat shield
)
X-15 research aircraft coated with ablative material developed to protect the aircraft from the high temperatures encountered at supersonic speeds. The technologies tested and developed with the X-15 aircraft paved the way for space missions from early Mercury and Gemini flights through to the space shuttle.
Any heat-protecting coating or system, such as an ablation shield, which protects spacecraft from the heat of re-entry, when temperatures can reach 1,500°C/2,700°F.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|