Chapter 4.1.7 - Returning From Space: Re-entry

Chapter 4.1.7 - Returning From Space: Re-entry is a 32-page legal document that was released by the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration and used nation-wide.

FAQ

Q: What is re-entry?
A: Re-entry is the process of returning to Earth from space.

Q: How do spacecraft re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: Spacecraft re-enter Earth's atmosphere by using heat shields to protect against the intense heat generated during re-entry.

Q: Why does re-entry generate intense heat?
A: Re-entry generates intense heat due to the compression and friction between the spacecraft and the Earth's atmosphere.

Q: What happens to the spacecraft during re-entry?
A: During re-entry, the spacecraft's heat shield absorbs and dissipates the heat, while the shape of the spacecraft helps to reduce the effects of atmospheric drag.

Q: How does re-entry affect the crew inside the spacecraft?
A: Re-entry subjects the crew to high G-forces, which can be uncomfortable and require special training to endure.

Q: What is splashdown?
A: Splashdown is the term used to describe the landing of a spacecraft in the ocean after re-entry.

Q: Why do some spacecraft land in the ocean?
A: Some spacecraft land in the ocean because it provides a large and safe area for the spacecraft to land, and it allows for easier recovery and retrieval by support teams.

Q: Are there any risks associated with re-entry?
A: Yes, there are risks associated with re-entry, including the potential for heat shield failure, loss of control, and excessive G-forces on the crew.

Q: What precautions are taken to ensure a safe re-entry?
A: Precautions taken to ensure a safe re-entry include thorough inspections of the spacecraft and heat shield, redundancy in critical systems, and extensive training for the crew.

Q: How often do spacecraft need to undergo re-entry?
A: Spacecraft need to undergo re-entry whenever they return from a mission in space, which can be as frequent as several times per year.