Mobble
Science · Space exploration · published 2026-08-26 · via Space.com

ESA's Draco mission heat shield undergoes fiery testing

Researchers at the von Karman Institute in Belgium tested the heat shield for ESA's Draco mission by exposing it to scorching flames. Draco is designed to intentionally burn up during reentry while collecting data, with a capsule that must survive to transmit the information. The test aims to ensure the satellite disintegrates normally while the data capsule remains intact.

Read the full article at Space.com →
Related stories
Satellite captures major ice calving at Greenland's Petermann Glacier · Oceanography
This summary is AI-generated and original to Mobble; the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Heat shield under fire | Space photo of the day for Aug. 26, 2026.” Browse more stories.