Experimental results are presented to indicate the effects of a thin protective shield on reducing the penetration of simulated meteoroids. The study is mainly of lead impacting lead at 2.5 km/sec. The effects of thickness and separation of the shield are investigated. It is shown that a shield of thickness slightly less than half the projectile diameter at a separation of about five projectile diameters reduces the penetration of shield plus target to approximately one‐third the depth of the unshielded crater. This shield is also effective against hardened steel ball bearings. Based on the assumption that the ``fluid impact'' penetration mechanism of lead at this velocity is qualitatively similar to that of structural materials at meteor velocities, it is concluded that the weight saving potential of ``bumper'' construction will make its use mandatory for space structures designed by the penetration condition.