The Orion spacecraft is a critical component of NASA’s plans to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. However, the spacecraft’s heat shield has been the subject of controversy in recent months, with some experts questioning the agency’s decision to use PICA as the primary material.
PICA is a type of ablative material that is designed to protect the spacecraft from the intense heat generated during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. However, some critics have argued that PICA is not the best option for the Orion mission, citing concerns over its performance and durability.
Despite these concerns, a NASA reviewer has come to the defense of the agency’s decision. In a recent report, the reviewer argued that PICA is the best option for the Orion spacecraft, citing its proven track record in previous missions.
“The use of PICA as the primary heat shield material for the Orion spacecraft is a well-reasoned decision, based on a thorough evaluation of the available options,” the reviewer wrote. “While there are certainly challenges associated with the use of PICA, the benefits of this material far outweigh the risks.”
The reviewer pointed out that PICA has been used successfully in numerous previous missions, including the Stardust and Genesis spacecraft. These missions demonstrated the material’s ability to withstand the intense heat generated during re-entry, and its durability in a variety of different environments.
In addition, the reviewer noted that PICA is a relatively lightweight material, which is critical for the Orion spacecraft. The spacecraft must be able to withstand the intense forces generated during launch and re-entry, while also carrying a crew of astronauts and their cargo.
“The use of PICA as the primary heat shield material allows the Orion spacecraft to meet its performance requirements while also minimizing its mass,” the reviewer wrote. “This is a critical consideration, given the limited payload capacity of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.”
Despite the reviewer’s defense of the agency’s decision, some critics remain unconvinced. They argue that PICA is not the best option for the Orion mission, and that other materials, such as ceramic or metallic heat shields, may be more suitable.
However, the reviewer’s report suggests that NASA has thoroughly evaluated the available options, and has chosen the best material for the mission. The agency’s decision to use PICA as the primary heat shield material for the Orion spacecraft is a critical component of its plans to return humans to the lunar surface, and it is likely to play a key role in the success of the mission.
The Orion spacecraft is currently under development at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The spacecraft is scheduled to make its first uncrewed flight in 2022, followed by a crewed mission to the lunar surface in 2024.
NASA’s plans for the Orion spacecraft are ambitious, and the agency faces a number of challenges in the coming years. However, the reviewer’s defense of the agency’s decision to use PICA as the primary heat shield material suggests that the spacecraft is on track to meet its performance requirements, and that it will play a critical role in the success of the mission.
