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Because before they hit the atmosphere they are travelling at extremely high speeds without any resistance (from wind). Therefore when they enter the atmosphere the wind resistance builds up and creates friction which also brings lots of heat, causing them to burn up before they hit the ground. This doesn't just happen to satellites; most if not all objects travelling from space into Earth encounter this. The only exception would be space shuttles because they have been specially designed with heat resistant panels etc.

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13y ago

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What protects satellites from intense heat of space?

In space there is no heat. Only when a satellite enters the atmosphere is there heat because of the friction and it begins to burn. Spacecraft have tiles on them to shield from the heat. Most satellites burn up in the atmosphere once they are done or become "space junk."


What are the effects of atmospheric drag on satellites?

Drag causes the satellites to drop further into the earth's atmosphere. The further the s/c (spacecraft, in the case of your question, a satellite) dips into the earth's atmosphere the greater the effects of atmospheric drag. Eventually, it can cause the s/c to burn up in the earth's atmosphere. - Senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering


Why do meteorites burn up?

They burn up because of friction in the atmosphere


Where do meteorits burn up?

In the atmosphere


What happens to the old satellites?

Old satellites either remain in orbit as space debris, eventually falling back to Earth and burning up in the atmosphere, or are intentionally deorbited and moved to a "graveyard" orbit to reduce the risk of collision with operational satellites. Some may also be repositioned for alternative uses or repurposed for different missions.


What two atmospheres protect us?

in case if a big rock where to bounce out of its orbit and be line up with earth soon as it hits the atmosphere it would burn up


Does a meteorite burn the Earth's atmosphere?

No. The atmosphere burns up the meteorite.


What will happen when a satellite falls down?

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When do meteors burn up?

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What happens to a meteroid when it hits earth's atmosphere?

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The moon has no what to make meteors burn up?

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In what layer of the atmosphere does meteoroids burn up?

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