This Origami-Like Heat Shield Could Lead to Reusable Satellites

This Origami-Like Heat Shield Could Lead to Reusable Satellites

Instead of flaking off as it heats up, the Pridwen shield uses its large surface area to radiate heat safely.

By Ryan Whitwam May 18, 2023

Bringing a spacecraft back to Earth means dealing with the intense heat of reentry. Heat shields can protect a vehicle from high temperatures, but the shield is destroyed in the process. The ESA is working with UK-based Space Forge to change that. The company's origami-like heat shield design is being tested and could eventually lead to less expensive, reusable satellites.

When an object enters a planet's atmosphere at high speed, it compresses the air ahead of it, causing heat to accumulate. Most heat shields in use today rely on ablation to disperse that heat. Essentially, as parts of the shield heat up, they break off and carry heat away from the spacecraft. The origami shield, dubbed Pridwen after King Arthur's legendary shield, relies on radiation to stay cool.