Testing spacecraft material the Sandia way: Setting it on fire with mirrors
https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/testing_spacecraft_material_the_sandia/
Archimedes’ legendary death ray might not be just a myth after all. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are pushing the boundaries of solar technology by testing heat shield prototypes with intense beams of focused sunlight. These experiments are so powerful that they could make even the ancient mathematician proud. While the Mars Sample Return mission faces challenges, the work at Sandia shows that innovative solutions are on the horizon. This could change how we approach space exploration and heat resistance in the future.