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