Pridwen heat shield
A folding, origami-style heat shield that opens like a shuttlecock to protect a small satellite during reentry and slow it for a safe landing.
Why it matters
Returning products from orbit needs a heat shield that fits on a small satellite. A shield that folds for launch and opens for reentry is meant to let small satellites bring their cargo home.
How the technology works
Pridwen stays folded during launch and deploys before reentry. Instead of burning away like an ablative shield, it sheds heat by radiating it, and its shuttlecock shape adds drag so the satellite descends slowly enough to be recovered.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction