In just under two weeks, NASA will launch Artemis 2, the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. The Space Launch System rocket is already at the launch pad, ready for this historic event.
Although the crew won’t land on the Moon this time—that’s planned for Artemis 3—this mission is still incredibly ambitious and complex.
Despite NASA’s optimism, some experts remain cautious about the safety of the Orion spacecraft. Following the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission, NASA spent years assessing how the intense heat during reentry affected Orion’s heat shield. After Artemis 1, the heat shield showed significant damage, cracking and chipping due to extreme conditions.
NASA eventually identified the issue: gases generated inside the heat shield’s material, Avcoat, failed to vent properly. This led to pressure build-up and cracking, causing some material to break off. Instead of overhauling the heat shield, NASA decided to alter Artemis 2’s reentry trajectory to make it gentler.
Former NASA administrator Bill Nelson explained the decision, stating that they were confident that the adjusted path would prevent similar issues. However, there’s skepticism among some former NASA astronauts and engineers. Charlie Camarda, a former astronaut and heat shield expert, expressed serious concerns, emphasizing the need for a thorough solution. “What they’re talking about doing is crazy,” he said, suggesting that the agency should have addressed the problems sooner.
NASA has adapted the way it applies Avcoat. This material is designed to erode during a specific reentry maneuver, “skip reentry.” Unfortunately, during Artemis 1, gases accumulated below the heat shield, resulting in damage. NASA believes that the new reentry path will avoid this issue. Yet, experts warn there may still be risks. Dan Rasky, a thermal protection materials expert, compared the situation to standing on a cliff in fog—the outcome could be unpredictable.
How significant is the danger? There’s no consensus. Danny Olivas, also a former astronaut, confirmed that the heat shield will crack but believes NASA has built in safety features that will protect the crew. He stated, “I think in my mind, there’s no flight that ever takes off where you don’t have a lingering doubt.” Importantly, he remains confident in NASA’s efforts to ensure crew safety.
Jared Isaacman, the new NASA administrator, shares this confidence. He noted that they’ve modified the reentry profile and feel good about the safety margins for Artemis 2. He reassured the public that the agency is committed to crew safety and has learned from past experiences.
This mission will not only push the boundaries of space exploration but also serve as a crucial learning opportunity. With ongoing debates about safety, Artemis 2 stands at the intersection of history and innovation.
