How fast does the space shuttle come back to earth?
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Ethan Bell
Works at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Lives in Vienna, Austria.
As a space industry specialist, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of space travel and re-entry. The return of a space shuttle to Earth is a complex process that involves several phases, each with its own set of challenges and considerations.
The space shuttle's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere is one of the most critical and technically demanding parts of its mission. The process begins with the de-orbit burn, which is a maneuver that reduces the shuttle's orbital velocity and sets it on a trajectory towards Earth. This burn is carefully calculated to ensure that the shuttle will re-enter the atmosphere at the correct angle and speed.
Once the shuttle starts its descent, it encounters the first layer of Earth's atmosphere. At this stage, the shuttle is still traveling at a very high speed, typically around 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). As it enters the denser layers of the atmosphere, the shuttle experiences intense heat and friction, which can cause the temperature on the shuttle's exterior to rise to over 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,700 degrees Fahrenheit). To protect the shuttle and its crew, the thermal protection system, which consists of heat-resistant tiles and blankets, is crucial.
As the shuttle continues to descend, it goes through a phase known as the "entry interface," which is the point at which it starts to feel the effects of Earth's gravity more significantly. The shuttle's speed begins to decrease as it interacts with the atmosphere, and it starts to slow down from its initial orbital velocity.
During the descent, the shuttle also performs a series of bank maneuvers to control its path and ensure it is on course for its intended landing site. These maneuvers are carefully planned and executed to optimize the shuttle's trajectory and to minimize the effects of atmospheric drag.
As the shuttle gets closer to the Earth's surface, it enters the glide phase. At this point, the shuttle is traveling at a much lower speed, typically around 1,200 kilometers per hour (750 miles per hour). The shuttle's wings and control surfaces now play a more significant role in guiding the vehicle towards its landing site.
Finally, as the shuttle approaches the ground, it performs a final descent and landing. The main landing gear touches down at a speed of less than 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour), as you mentioned, and the shuttle has a forward speed of about 354 kilometers per hour (220 miles per hour). The shuttle's speed is further reduced by the use of its brakes and the deployment of its drag chute.
The entire process of re-entry and landing is a testament to the incredible engineering and planning that goes into space missions. It requires precise calculations, advanced technology, and skilled pilots to ensure a safe and successful return to Earth.
The space shuttle's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere is one of the most critical and technically demanding parts of its mission. The process begins with the de-orbit burn, which is a maneuver that reduces the shuttle's orbital velocity and sets it on a trajectory towards Earth. This burn is carefully calculated to ensure that the shuttle will re-enter the atmosphere at the correct angle and speed.
Once the shuttle starts its descent, it encounters the first layer of Earth's atmosphere. At this stage, the shuttle is still traveling at a very high speed, typically around 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). As it enters the denser layers of the atmosphere, the shuttle experiences intense heat and friction, which can cause the temperature on the shuttle's exterior to rise to over 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,700 degrees Fahrenheit). To protect the shuttle and its crew, the thermal protection system, which consists of heat-resistant tiles and blankets, is crucial.
As the shuttle continues to descend, it goes through a phase known as the "entry interface," which is the point at which it starts to feel the effects of Earth's gravity more significantly. The shuttle's speed begins to decrease as it interacts with the atmosphere, and it starts to slow down from its initial orbital velocity.
During the descent, the shuttle also performs a series of bank maneuvers to control its path and ensure it is on course for its intended landing site. These maneuvers are carefully planned and executed to optimize the shuttle's trajectory and to minimize the effects of atmospheric drag.
As the shuttle gets closer to the Earth's surface, it enters the glide phase. At this point, the shuttle is traveling at a much lower speed, typically around 1,200 kilometers per hour (750 miles per hour). The shuttle's wings and control surfaces now play a more significant role in guiding the vehicle towards its landing site.
Finally, as the shuttle approaches the ground, it performs a final descent and landing. The main landing gear touches down at a speed of less than 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour), as you mentioned, and the shuttle has a forward speed of about 354 kilometers per hour (220 miles per hour). The shuttle's speed is further reduced by the use of its brakes and the deployment of its drag chute.
The entire process of re-entry and landing is a testament to the incredible engineering and planning that goes into space missions. It requires precise calculations, advanced technology, and skilled pilots to ensure a safe and successful return to Earth.
2024-05-19 17:05:20
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Studied at the University of Sydney, Lives in Sydney, Australia.
As the shuttle's main landing gear touches down, it is dropping at less than 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour) and has a forward speed of about 354 kilometers per hour (220 miles per hour).Mar 17, 2003
2023-06-08 15:40:29
Scarlett Lee
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
As the shuttle's main landing gear touches down, it is dropping at less than 8 kilometers per hour (5 miles per hour) and has a forward speed of about 354 kilometers per hour (220 miles per hour).Mar 17, 2003
