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There are a number of reasons a space shuttle doesn't explode when re-entering Earth's atmosphere.
First and foremost is the return trajectory. A shuttle angles upon return so that its descent is not too fast, preventing a majority of friction heat. Next, the entire shuttle is covered with a layer of heat-resistent ceramic panels that prevent the hull from being damaged. Next, there is usually a layer of high-grade industrial lubricant on the outer layer of panels (it used to be WD-40, but I think they've moved on since then).
Finally, the interior mechanisms of the shuttle are designed to prevent explosion should any of these failsafes...well...fail.
What else can I help you with?
What space shuttle disintegrated upon re-entering the earths atmosphere?
Space Shuttle Columbia
How high in the earths atmosphere does a space shuttle travel?
230 miles out into space
How hot does a space shuttle get when re enters earths atmosphere?
3,000+ F
How do you get food on a space station?
The space station is not too far out of the Earths atmosphere so they just send up a space shuttle!
Why do space shuttles heat up when they re-enter into the earths atmosphere?
When the shuttle goes from the vacuum of space and enters the earths atmosphere, it heats up because of simple friction. The friction is from the shuttle going so fast and hitting the atmosphere. Same reason you sometimes see meteor showers.
Why does a space shuttle need to travel so fast when entering earths atmosphere?
Although it reaches incredible speeds, a Space Shuttle is not going fast when it enters the atmosphere. The gravitational pull of Earth, or just gravity, are pulling down on the space shuttle with immense force.
How powerful are the engines in a space shuttle?
they are more powerful than the ones in a plane and a jet pack as they need to lift a 2 tonne space shuttle off and out of earths atmosphere
When did the space shuttle Enterprise launch?
It never did. Enterprise was only used for atmospheric and aerodynamic tests in earths atmosphere and was never launched into space.
How do astronauts travel in space and escape earths atmosphere?
Astronauts travel in space and escape earth's atmosphere by wearing gravity resistant suits and traveling to outer space in a space shuttle that is insulated against the elements.
Why do rockets and spaceshuttles break up when travelling in space?
The only reason for the rocket is to fire the shuttle out of the earths atmosphere, once in space the rocket is no longer needed and there for they detach.
How fast does a space shuttle reenter the earths atmosphere?
A space shuttle reenters the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of around 17,500 miles per hour. The high speed generates intense heat, which is why the shuttle needs heat shields to protect it during reentry. The spacecraft gradually slows down as it descends through the atmosphere.
How fast does a space shuttle need to be traveling when it leaves the earths atmosphere?
A space shuttle needs to reach a speed of approximately 17,500 miles per hour, known as orbital velocity, to successfully leave the Earth's atmosphere and enter space. This speed allows the shuttle to counteract the pull of Earth's gravity and achieve a stable orbit around the planet.
