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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
SpaceX's Starship has an advanced heat shield, made up of approximately 18,000 hexagonal tiles. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 Phoenix 1 was tasked with demonstrating some key reentry tech, such as the capsule's inflatable heat shield. Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The startup's Phoenix vehicle, fitted with an inflatable heat shield, separated from the Falcon 9's upper stage about 90 minutes after liftoff. Abigail Bassett, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025 The astronauts were protected from the blazing heat of re-entry by the space craft's heat shield. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heat shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20shield. Accessed 5 May. 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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