# Orion’s much-maligned heat shield turned out to perform very well

https://mins.news/en/item/40702

- Ars Technica, 2026-09-01 14:46 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/it-turns-out-that-orions-much-maligned-heat-shield-performed-really-well/

> The Artemis II mission faced major questions about Orion’s heat shield after large pieces unexpectedly broke away during a 2022 test flight. NASA flew it with its existing design while changing the reentry trajectory. Commander Reid Wiseman and the crew then safely splashed down in the Pacific after circling the Moon, with the shield appearing to perform well.