Heat Shields

[ydoaPs]

Why doesn't NASA use firepaste instead of thier current heat shields? It is lighter, cheaper, and works better.

[Sayonara]

Can it withstand re-entry mechanically, and does it block gamma rays?

[wolfson]

and does it block gamma rays?

 

I very much doubt it.

[ydoaPs]

The silicate that is currently used is by far mostly air. it breaks if you touch it wrong. Fire paste is much more durable. I have no clue about gamma rays.

[[Tycho?]]

Does the current heat shield block gamma rays? I thought you needed something quite dense for that, like lead.

[Sayonara]

I'm not sure.

 

I should jolly well hope that some parts of those contraptions block them.

[ydoaPs]

The walls on the Apollo craft are basically as thick as the skin on a school bus. As far as i know, the heat shields that are currently used provide little if any protection from gamma rays.

[Sayonara]

I somehow doubt that nasa.gov blast astronauts and sensitive electronic equipment into the solar maelstrom without any protection at all.

 

Anyhoo, there must be a reason they use what they use re: heat shielding. Perhaps there is more info on their web site.

[JaKiri]

Knowing NASA, an equally likely explanation is because they've set up a hideously interlinked and complicated system which demands the silicates and the governing body refuses to allow funding to change it.

[ydoaPs]

It is about money. NASA is cheap. They won't pay for it. Even if the heat shielding did block radiation, it doesn't cover all of any vessel.

[[Tycho?]]

I somehow doubt that nasa.gov blast astronauts and sensitive electronic equipment into the solar maelstrom without any protection at all.

 

Anyhoo' date=' there must be a reason they use what they use re: heat shielding. Perhaps there is more info on their web site.[/quote']

 

 

Well, they do have some protection, but I do not believe they have protection from gamma rays. I dont think gamma rays would effect electronics equipment either.