Instead, Artemis II aims to test and verify the various systems and components of the crew’s spacecraft, called Orion. Darlene Beville of contractor ASRC Federal inspects the Artemis II heat shield in July 2020. The heat shield protects the Orion capsule and astronauts during reentry through Earth’s atmosphere. Isaac Watson/NASAThe heat shield showed abnormal wear and tear during the Artemis I test. NASAThe damage was not catastrophic and the heat shield still adequately protected the capsule, but NASA spent more than a year working to address the issue.

Source: Egypt Independent January 01, 2026 14:35 UTC