For some reason, NASA is treating Orion’s heat shield problems as a secret

This functionality makes the arc jet take a look at facility distinctive on the planet, however it nonetheless cannot totally replicate the stresses a spacecraft’s warmth protect undergoes throughout reentry. There are some issues which can be simply unknowable till you fly, stated Victor Glover, pilot of the Artemis II mission, in an interview with Ars earlier this 12 months.

“What we’re doing now could be assessing what’s the acceptable method for Artemis II, concerning the warmth protect,” Glaze stated Monday. “We all know what must be completed for future missions, however the Artemis II warmth protect is already constructed. So how will we guarantee astronaut security with Artemis II?”

This would be the second major human spaceflight safety decision NASA will make this 12 months, following the company’s option to conclude the primary piloted take a look at flight of Boeing’s business crew capsule with out its astronauts within the cockpit. As an alternative, the capsule’s two-person crew remained behind on the Worldwide House Station after NASA managers couldn’t get comfy with malfunctions in Starliner’s propulsion system.

They’re not saying

Talking at a gathering of lunar scientists Monday, Glaze stated NASA needs to finish extra testing earlier than a last willpower on what to do with Artemis II. The ultimate choice, she stated, might be made by NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson.

“We count on that extra testing to conclude by the tip of November, after which we anticipate discussions with the administrator, who will make the ultimate choice on tips on how to proceed,” Glaze stated. “I do know all of us need extra info sooner, sooner, higher. We’re transferring it as shortly because it probably can transfer, and there might be choices forthcoming.”

An attendee of the lunar science assembly in Houston requested Glaze if she might share the basis reason for the warmth protect erosion. “I’m not going to share proper now,” she replied. “When it comes out, it’ll all come out collectively.”

Ars additionally requested a NASA spokesperson for particulars on the basis trigger. The spokesperson confirmed the company has decided the basis trigger, however declined to determine the trigger, saying the data is “underneath assessment” as officers plot the trail ahead for Artemis II. The spokesperson echoed Hawkins’ assertion that NASA will launch extra info earlier than the tip of the 12 months.