Why doesn't NASA use firepaste instead of thier current heat shields? It is lighter, cheaper, and works better.

Can it withstand re-entry mechanically, and does it block gamma rays?

and does it block gamma rays?

 

I very much doubt it.

The silicate that is currently used is by far mostly air. it breaks if you touch it wrong. Fire paste is much more durable. I have no clue about gamma rays.

Does the current heat shield block gamma rays? I thought you needed something quite dense for that, like lead.

I'm not sure.

 

I should jolly well hope that some parts of those contraptions block them.

The walls on the Apollo craft are basically as thick as the skin on a school bus. As far as i know, the heat shields that are currently used provide little if any protection from gamma rays.

I somehow doubt that nasa.gov blast astronauts and sensitive electronic equipment into the solar maelstrom without any protection at all.

 

Anyhoo, there must be a reason they use what they use re: heat shielding. Perhaps there is more info on their web site.

Knowing NASA, an equally likely explanation is because they've set up a hideously interlinked and complicated system which demands the silicates and the governing body refuses to allow funding to change it.

It is about money. NASA is cheap. They won't pay for it. Even if the heat shielding did block radiation, it doesn't cover all of any vessel.

I somehow doubt that nasa.gov blast astronauts and sensitive electronic equipment into the solar maelstrom without any protection at all.

 

Anyhoo' date=' there must be a reason they use what they use re: heat shielding. Perhaps there is more info on their web site.[/quote']

 

 

Well, they do have some protection, but I do not believe they have protection from gamma rays. I dont think gamma rays would effect electronics equipment either.