heatshield

Because wings significantly increase the square footage of structure and heatshield without increasing the amount of payload volume they are a very inefficient recovery system in comparison to deployable parachutes.

Would You Bring Back NGLT-or SLI? - NASA Watch 2009

First, volumetric efficiency is one of the most important parameters driving RLV design, it is the square footage of structure and heatshield required to enclose payload volume (see Will Hankey's papers).

Would You Bring Back NGLT-or SLI? - NASA Watch 2009

Soyuz has this uncanny ability to right itself heatshield first.

Trying To Spin The Facts - NASA Watch 2009

As to the shape decision it is just not true we saved anything since the sidewall angle, the shoulder and heatshield radii, at the very least are NOT those of Apollo's.

Ares 1 Abort Study Update - NASA Watch 2009

Also you believe that now the heatshield on the Shuttle is safe on ascent I assume or that decision will not be taken to re-enter with potential damage?

Funding Shuttle and Ares Simultaneously - NASA Watch 2009

As far as I can tell, LM is providing the heatshield and that is all.

COTS Wars? - NASA Watch 2009

This would require either a hatch in the heatshield which was proven on MOL and Merkur, or a transposition and docking once reaching space, with the added weight of a docking system.

Orion Slims Down - NASA Watch 2009

Boeing was also providing a heatshield although it looks like the LM design is the one that will fly.

COTS Wars? - NASA Watch 2009

Then take one American, one Russian and one European in a Soyuz capsule with a beefed-up heatshield, boost it into lunar orbit on a Breeze-M upper stage, dock with the lander.

Human Space Flight Plans Blue Ribbon Panel Announced - NASA Watch 2009

Not to mention the heatshield will not be in the flowfield ...

Funding Shuttle and Ares Simultaneously - NASA Watch 2009