Despite recent assurances from NASA that Artemis II will be safe to fly, at least one former astronaut still has his doubts.
Following a NASA investigation into the heat shield problems seen with the Orion capsule on Artemis I, retired astronaut Charles Camarda questions NASA’s approach to addressing the issue. Camarda flew on the first space shuttle mission following the Columbia disaster, and is an experienced NASA thermal engineer.
During the uncrewed Artemis I mission, pieces of the Orion’s heat shield burned up during re-entry, prompting a two-year investigation by NASA scientists. The agency concluded that the heat shields are safe for flight. However, Camarda remains skeptical, citing an Inspector General’s report indicating that approximately 100 large pieces detached from the vehicle during re-entry. He criticizes NASA’s approach to resolving these issues, suggesting it mirrors the flawed methodologies that led to the Challenger and Columbia tragedies. Camarda emphasizes the need for a research-based approach to understand the physics of the problem, rather than repeating past mistakes.
Camarda is also concerned about the internal culture at NASA, where he believes engineers may be hesitant to voice their apprehensions. He warns that this reluctance to speak up could have serious implications for mission safety. “A lot of the engineers are afraid to speak up, and that’s a serious problem,” Camarda stated. He should know what he’s talking about. In a 2019 interview with Aerotime.aero, Camarda detailed his experience following the Columbia accident:
” I had such a long career at NASA. I worked at NASA for 45 years and just recently retired. Our space mission was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences. We flew in space after the Columbia accident, we lost seven crew members friends, colleagues, and classmates. So to be able to work with teams of engineers around the country to understand and to help fix these problems to enable us to fly safely, I think that was the most memorable experience. Flying with this unique team and a very critical mission that we had and to pull it off perfectly with the help of hundreds and thousands of engineers on the ground. “
In response to these concerns, NASA has reiterated its commitment to safety and thorough testing. The agency has stated that the heat shield design has undergone extensive analysis and modifications based on data from Artemis I. NASA officials assert that the current design meets all safety requirements for the Artemis II mission. Pam Melroy, NASA’s Deputy Administrator, stated, “We had to understand why that erosion variation in the heat shield occurred to make sure our astronauts would be safe during Artemis II.”
The history of space exploration has demonstrated the catastrophic consequences that can arise from overlooked safety concerns. The Challenger disaster in 1986 and the Columbia disaster in 2003 both resulted from technical failures that, in hindsight, were preceded by unheeded warnings. These tragedies underscored the necessity for a transparent and proactive safety culture within space agencies and brought about wholesale changes in how NASA approached safety concerns from the rank and file.
The Artemis II vehicle, which will carry four astronauts to orbit the moon and back, is currently being stacked in the Vehicle Assembly building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As the 2026 launch date for Artemis II approaches, NASA finds itself battling the clock to make sure that they have a good solution to the heat shield issues and that the concerns of engineers are addressed. Open communication and a commitment to rigorous, research-based problem-solving are essential to the success of the mission and the safety of the crew.
While NASA has made significant strides in preparing for the Artemis II mission, the concerns raised by Charles Camarda and others remain as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety and transparency in space exploration. Addressing these issues head-on will not only enhance the success of the Artemis program but also honor the legacy of past missions and the lessons learned from them.
