In Kennedy Space Center's Hangar N, a heat shield for the Constellation crew exploration vehicle is prepared for demonstration. The shield was designed and assembled by the Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, Calif. The thermal protection system manufacturing demonstration unit is designed to protect astronauts from extreme heat during re-entry.
In Kennedy Space Center’s Hangar N, a heat shield for the Constellation crew exploration vehicle is prepared for demonstration. The shield was designed and assembled by the Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, Calif. The thermal protection system manufacturing demonstration unit is designed to protect astronauts from extreme heat during re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere from low Earth orbit and lunar missions. The crew vehicle will be used to dock and gain access to the International Space Station, travel to the moon and play a crucial role in exploring Mars.Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett