Ablative heat shields are not reusable. The ablative substance of the Gemini heat shield is a paste-like silicone elastomer material which hardens after being poured into a honeycomb form. This heat ...

A cube of this heat shield material is removed from a kiln at 1100 degrees Celsius and after cooling for only a matter of seconds, Kevin picks it up with his bare hands. It is still red hot in the ...