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On the space shuttle, there are a number of protective devices, but the most obvious are the insulating tiles. These are made of various materials, but mostly from a silica based insulation with ceramic coating.
See the Web Link to the left for more information, but note that it predates the loss of Columbia from damage to tiles at a vital position on the orbiter.
In earlier space programs, the spacecraft were protected by a shield which actually partially burnt away as re-entry progressed, thus taking away the heat from the craft.
What else can I help you with?
What protects the spacecraft when it enters atmosphere from space?
A heat shield protects the spacecraft when it enters the atmosphere from space by absorbing and dissipating the intense heat generated due to atmospheric friction. The heat shield helps prevent the spacecraft from burning up during reentry by creating a layer of hot and ionized gas, or plasma, around the spacecraft that acts as a barrier.
What term describes the process of returning astronauts to earth from space?
Reentry describes the process of returning astronauts to Earth from space. During reentry, the spacecraft passes through the Earth's atmosphere, experiencing high temperatures due to friction with the air. The spacecraft's heat shield helps protect it from burning up during this phase.
What is Apollo spacecraft made of?
The Apollo spacecraft was primarily made of aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and titanium. The exterior of the spacecraft was covered in a thermal protection system made of ablative materials to protect it during reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft also had components made of various other metals, ceramics, and composites to fulfill different functions.
Was any part of the Apollo 11 reusable?
No, none of the parts of the Apollo 11 spacecraft were reusable. The entire spacecraft was discarded and burned up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere except for the command module which returned with the astronauts.
How long was Apollo 13 out of contact with mission central upon reentre to earth?
Apollo 13 was out of contact with mission control for approximately 3 minutes during reentry to Earth's atmosphere. This period of radio blackout was caused by intense heat and plasma surrounding the spacecraft during reentry.
What protects the spacecraft when it enters atmosphere from space?
A heat shield protects the spacecraft when it enters the atmosphere from space by absorbing and dissipating the intense heat generated due to atmospheric friction. The heat shield helps prevent the spacecraft from burning up during reentry by creating a layer of hot and ionized gas, or plasma, around the spacecraft that acts as a barrier.
What does the heat shield do on a spacecraft?
As the name implies, a heat shield shields something from heat. In the case of a spacecraft heatshield, it shields and protects the craft itself from the tremendous amount of heat created by air friction due to the extremely high speed of the craft during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere.
What has the author Jerome H Fine written?
Jerome H. Fine has written: 'An attitude control system to constrain the skin temperature of a manned lifting spacecraft during reentry into the earth's atmosphere' -- subject(s): Attitude control, Spacecraft reentry
What has the author Anthony David Rosello written?
Anthony David Rosello has written: 'A vehicle health monitoring system for the space shuttle reaction control system during reentry' -- subject(s): Space shuttle orbiters, Control rockets, Spacecraft control, Spacecraft propulsion, Jet thrust, Kalman filters, Spacecraft reentry, Directional control, Spacecraft guidance, Auxiliary propulsion, Thrust control
When a space vehicle reenters the Earth's atmosphere energy does kinetic transform into heat energy.?
Yes, during reentry, the kinetic energy of the spacecraft is converted into heat due to air resistance. This heat is generated by the compression of air in front of the spacecraft, resulting in extremely high temperatures on the vehicle's surface. Heat shields are used to protect the spacecraft and dissipate this heat during reentry.
What are the potential risks and consequences of the KSP spacecraft burning up on reentry into the Earth's atmosphere?
The potential risks and consequences of the KSP spacecraft burning up on reentry into the Earth's atmosphere include the loss of valuable scientific data, damage to the environment from the release of toxic materials, and potential harm to people or property if debris falls to the ground.
What term describes the process of returning astronauts to earth from space?
Reentry describes the process of returning astronauts to Earth from space. During reentry, the spacecraft passes through the Earth's atmosphere, experiencing high temperatures due to friction with the air. The spacecraft's heat shield helps protect it from burning up during this phase.
Why did the Apollo 13 spacecraft have a parachute?
The same reason why all spacecrafts have parachutes: During reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft goes extremely fast. And if there are people in the spacecraft and no parachute, they would slam into the water at that speed and it would be like hitting concrete. So without a parachute, everyone on the spacecraft would be killed.
What is it called when you enter earth through the atmosphere?
When a spacecraft or object enters Earth's atmosphere, it is called reentry. During reentry, the intense heat generated by friction with the atmosphere can cause the object to ignite or create a fiery trail known as a "shooting star."
What was the purpose of the Gemini program?
The Gemini program wanted to send man and spacecraft into space for two or more weeks. They also wanted to perfect the reentry and landing of the spacecraft. During the Gemini program was also when we had the first space walk.
What was the purposes of the Gemini program?
The Gemini program wanted to send man and spacecraft into space for two or more weeks. They also wanted to perfect the reentry and landing of the spacecraft. During the Gemini program was also when we had the first space walk.
What is Apollo spacecraft made of?
The Apollo spacecraft was primarily made of aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and titanium. The exterior of the spacecraft was covered in a thermal protection system made of ablative materials to protect it during reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft also had components made of various other metals, ceramics, and composites to fulfill different functions.
