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
The probe is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the AP reported.
—
Stephen Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
The Parker Solar Probe's spacecraft components and science instruments are protected by heat shield that is 8 feet wide (2.4 meters) and 4.5 inches (11 centimeters) thick.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Some of the more notable debris on Mars includes pieces of the Viking landers, heat shields, pieces of insulation and, more recently, parachutes and backshells from rover missions Curiosity and Perseverance.
—Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Scientists estimate that the probe's heat shield will endure temperatures in excess of 2,500° Fahrenheit (1,371° C) on Christmas Eve, which is pretty much the polar opposite of the North Pole.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heat shield 
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.
Stephen Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
The Parker Solar Probe's spacecraft components and science instruments are protected by heat shield that is 8 feet wide (2.4 meters) and 4.5 inches (11 centimeters) thick.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Some of the more notable debris on Mars includes pieces of the Viking landers, heat shields, pieces of insulation and, more recently, parachutes and backshells from rover missions Curiosity and Perseverance.
—Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Scientists estimate that the probe's heat shield will endure temperatures in excess of 2,500° Fahrenheit (1,371° C) on Christmas Eve, which is pretty much the polar opposite of the North Pole.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heat shield
Articles Related to heat shield
Dictionary Entries Near heat shield
Cite this Entry
“Heat shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heat%20shield. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share