{
  "id": 13164506,
  "title": "NASA Demonstrates Next-Generation Heat Shield Technologies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/nasa-demonstrates-next-generation-heat-shield-technologies-13164506",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-09T16:59:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA",
    "slug": "nasa",
    "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/nasa-demonstrates-next-generation-heat-shield-technologies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA is conducting groundbreaking tests on heat shields for future Moon and Mars missions aboard a discarded cargo spacecraft. The Kentucky Reentry Probe Experiment (KREPE-3) payload, consisting of 12 experimental capsules, was launched from the International Space Station on October 7. These capsules, developed by various partners including NASA, the University of Kentucky, and commercial entities, will measure temperature, pressure, motion, magnetic field, and light during re-entry. As the spacecraft breaks apart in Earth's atmosphere, the capsules will deploy and collect valuable data on the performance of different thermal protection materials.\n\nOne capsule features a 3D-printed heat shield developed by researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Another utilizes a unique design combining a tungsten tip with a carbon and heat-resistant plastic fiber cone, and an aft cone wrapped in a material called Materials Engineered for Re-entry using Innovative Needling Operations (MERINO). Developed by NASA Ames, this innovative material is more flexible, faster to produce, and less expensive than traditional options, making it a promising choice for Mars missions where lower heat loads allow for lighter protection.\n\nOther capsules will test various shapes and designs, as well as known and new materials. One will deploy an umbrella-like design to increase surface area and slow descent, while another will house a heat flux sensor developed at the University of Stuttgart to measure heat transfer during re-entry. These tests aim to push the boundaries of heat shield technology, creating faster, more affordable, and effective solutions for future space exploration.",
  "summary": "NASA is testing heat shields that can keep astronauts safe as they return from missions to the Moon and Mars in an unusual way: by taking out the trash. When Northrop Grumman 24th cargo resupply mission for NASA undocked from the International Space Station, it carried a fleet of 12 small, experimental capsules designed to […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NASA Science",
        "title": "NASA Demonstrates Next-Generation Heat Shield Technologies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/nasa-demonstrates-next-generation-heat-shield-technologies",
        "published": "2026-10-09T16:59:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}