# Four Astronauts, One Unproven Shield, Zero Second Chances

- slug: four-astronauts-one-unproven-shield-zero-second-chances
- date: 2026-04-02
- category: Space & Aerospace

The four astronauts now flying Artemis II are the first crew to test a NASA workaround for a cracked heat shield. The actual fix doesnt fly until Artemis III.

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