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randy23
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Does a planet's atmosphere effect the temperature spacecraft s generate when descending from orbit?
Space shuttles descent temperatures
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In summary, the effect of a planet's atmosphere on the temperature generated by a spacecraft descending from orbit depends on factors such as the mean molecular mass and density of the atmosphere, the heat generation and dissipation processes, and the atmospheric composition and density. A denser atmosphere may slow the spacecraft more quickly and potentially produce a greater heating rate, while a predominantly CO2 atmosphere could have a different deceleration and affect heat transfer rates differently. However, without detailed equations, it is difficult to determine the exact quantitative impact of an atmosphere on spacecraft temperature during descent.
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Andre
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Hi Randi and welcome.
Would you think that a pebble thrown in the pond will ripple the water for long? Likewise I don't think that the atmosphere will notice a lot of a descending space craft. Just a little bit, locally and very short.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.
Would you think that a pebble thrown in the pond will ripple the water for long? Likewise I don't think that the atmosphere will notice a lot of a descending space craft. Just a little bit, locally and very short.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.
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Astronuc
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Quite possibly is does if the heating generation and dissipation are functions of the mean molecular mass and molecular density of the atmosphere.randy23 said:
The heat is generated because a spacecraft is transfer its kinetic energy to the atmosphere. The energy is dissipated as a momentum transfer to atmosphere but also as heat in the heat shield, which may be primarily by radiation.
Presumably a denser atmosphere can slow a spacecraft more quickly than a thin atmosphere, and perhaps would produce a greater heating rate on the thermal shield. A predominantly CO2 atmosphere would give a different deceleration than the Earth's atmosphere of N2 and O2 all else the same. Unfortunately, I don't have any detailed equations, so I can't answer the question quantitatively. One would have to know how the atmospheric composition and density affect the radiative and conductive heat transfer rates, well as the heat generation rate.
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randy23
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Andre said:
Thanks, it's nice to be here.
Related to Space shuttles descent temperatures
1. What are the temperatures experienced during a space shuttle's descent?
The temperatures experienced during a space shuttle's descent can vary greatly depending on the location and stage of descent. During the initial re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the shuttle can experience temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As it continues its descent, the temperatures will gradually decrease to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit before landing.
2. How do space shuttles withstand such high temperatures during re-entry?
Space shuttles are equipped with heat-resistant materials such as ceramic tiles and reinforced carbon-carbon panels that can withstand the extreme temperatures experienced during re-entry. These materials are also designed to dissipate heat quickly to prevent any damage to the shuttle's structure.
3. Have there been any incidents where a space shuttle's descent temperatures caused damage?
Yes, there have been incidents where a space shuttle's descent temperatures caused damage. One notable example is the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, where a damaged tile during launch led to the shuttle's destruction upon re-entry. This tragedy highlighted the importance of proper temperature management during a shuttle's descent.
4. How does the angle of descent affect the temperatures experienced by a space shuttle?
The angle of descent plays a crucial role in managing the temperatures experienced by a space shuttle. If the angle is too steep, the shuttle will experience higher temperatures, potentially leading to damage. On the other hand, if the angle is too shallow, the shuttle may not dissipate enough heat and could still experience high temperatures.
5. How does NASA monitor and regulate the temperatures during a space shuttle's descent?
NASA monitors and regulates the temperatures during a space shuttle's descent through various systems, including sensors, data recording, and real-time analysis. The shuttle's crew is also trained to monitor and report any abnormalities or potential hazards during descent. If necessary, NASA can also make adjustments to the shuttle's trajectory to manage temperatures more effectively.
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