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National Aeronautics and Space Administration researchers developing the next generation Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle are analyzing the Apollo heat shield to help in the development and engineering process for Orion vehicles.

The old heat shield was found in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum Garber Facility in Suitland, Md.

The Orion team said it was interested in the heat shield because it had flown into low Earth orbit and then returned to Earth Aug. 26, 1966.

"We are examining the design of the carrier structure (the metal structure that connects the heat shield to the vessel that contains the astronauts) and the heat shield material's thermal response", said Elizabeth Pugel of the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

NASA said Orion's design will borrow its shape from the capsules of the past, but will take advantage of 21st century technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion and heat protection systems.

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