Atmospheric entry

Todd Fortun

Physics 212

Created 3/18/2007

The Earth’s atmosphere is bombarded daily with space material. However, on the ground, rarely will a meteorite be found. Furthermore, science, video footage, movies, etc. have shown us that a massive inferno surrounds space shuttles on their return journey, yet these spacecraft are left fully in tact. What exactly happens during atmospheric entry? Physics will help answer this question!

Out in space

Earth's Atmosphere

Incoming!

Heat Shields

Bibliography

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-110/lores/sts110-730-031.jpg