Next Generation Magnetic Heat Shields

Heat shields are an important part of any space vehicle that re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. The next generation of heat shields to protect astronauts and payloads on their re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere may use superconducting magnets to deflect the plasma that forms in front of spacecraft as they travel at high speeds in the [...]

Full story at http://spacefellowship.com/2009/12/01/next-generation-magnetic-heat-shields/