The amount of time spent in the atmosphere at high velocity (I'd have to do some digging to give some real time data but basically it is as follows).
One the way up, the rocket goes through the 100 km of air during the slower part of the change of velocity and spends very little time in the atmosphere at the higher velocity.
On the way down, the object starts to encounter the atmosphere at maximum velocity and therefore maximum friction. It will be in the atmosphere for the a much longer period since it comes in a very shallow angle. The object will have that friction nearly the entire trip to the ground even though the drag from the atmosphere will slow the object.
Kenneth - N5VHO
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From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org on behalf of Joe Sent: Thu 2/14/2008 5:55 PM To: 'AMSAT-BB' Subject: [amsat-bb] Since We Are Off Topic Somewhat....
Hi All,,
Since we are somewhat off topic for the moment with the conversation about the bird to come down shortly.. Ok, the question is, and i've asked it to several other places, and yet to even get a answer,
The question is,,,
Space shuttle launches,, starts off at sea level, and in less than ten minutes goes from zero to 17K MPh (or so) And gets to orbital altitude.
Time to come down,, the de-orbit burn happens to slow it down just a bit to cause the orbit to more or less decay.. It's at orbital altitude.. and moving at about 17K MPh.. 45 minutes or so later it's back on the ground and moving at zero MPh..
So in actuality it comes down from space even slower than going up. Yes? 45 min vs 10.
Ok, same goes with any satellite,,
How come, going up,, 0 to 17K MPh through the atmosphere, all is fine.. BUT
coming down,, 17K MPh to 0 unless it has protection it will burn up in the atmosphere from friction with the air.
why is it different?
Joe WB9SBD & NSS _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb