{
  "id": 2289765,
  "title": "How Gaganyaan’s thermal protection system will survive re-entry | Explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/how-gaganyaans-thermal-protection-system-will-survive-re-entry",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-20T17:24:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
    "slug": "the-hindu-sci-tech",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-gaganyaans-thermal-protection-system-will-survive-re-entry-explained/article71369185.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gaganyaan's thermal protection system (TPS) plays a critical role during the capsule's return to Earth, safeguarding it from the intense heat generated by atmospheric friction. As the spacecraft re-enters our planet's atmosphere, it plummets at speeds of 7,500-8,000 meters per second, causing over 99% of its kinetic energy to convert into heat energy. To prevent the module from melting, a robust TPS is essential. This protective layer must withstand the extreme temperatures, ensuring the safety of the astronauts aboard the Gaganyaan crew module.",
  "summary": "Why does Gaganyaan need a thermal protection system? How does its ablative heat shield work?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}