heat shield

noun

: a barrier of ablative material to protect a space capsule from heat on its entry into an atmosphere

Examples of heat shield in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Other changes on Flight 7 included a new tapered edge to the line where the tiles meet the ship's stainless steel skin and multiple metallic tile options, including one with active cooling, to test alternative heat shield materials. Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 Orion’s heat shield covers the bottom of the capsule and plays a crucial role in protecting the spacecraft — and potential astronauts onboard — from the extreme temperatures of re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Denise Chow, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 The probe is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the AP reported. Stephen Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025 The Parker Solar Probe's spacecraft components and science instruments are protected by heat shield that is 8 feet wide (2.4 meters) and 4.5 inches (11 centimeters) thick. Tariq Malik, Space.com, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heat shield 

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heat shield was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near heat shield

Cite this Entry

“Heat shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20shield. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

heat shield

noun
: a barrier of insulation to protect a space capsule from heat on its return to earth
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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