AVCOAT 5026-39HCG HeatShield test block, measuring approximately 5 5/8" wide, 1 1/2" deep and 2 3/8" tall, manufactured in 1966 as a component of the Command Service Module (CSM) Thermal Protection System. Developed by AVCO Corporation, with integration by NAA (North American Aviation), the block is comprised of an extremely lightweight fiberglass honeycomb which is hand filled by air gun with the ablative resin material.
The ablative system dissipates heat as the material melts and chars during re-entry, mitigating the 20,000 degree heat experienced by the CSM as it transits through the extreme thermo-dynamic phase of the re-entry corridor.
Thanks to Scott Schneeweis for the technical description of this artifact.
About The Author
