Part 4: More on ablation
(index)
In 1907 American chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the world's first plastic. 50 years later it would be chosen as the main ingredient in NASA's reentry capsule heat shields.
In 1907 American chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the world's first plastic. 50 years later it would be chosen as the main ingredient in NASA's reentry capsule heat shields.
Radio made of Bakelite
Bakelite was a good choice for
spacecraft heat shields because it's a good insulator of heat; it has high strength; it has an abundance of carbon (a material with
a high latent heat); and it has an ability to char rather than melt
at high temperature.
