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NASA Video Shows What It's Like To Reenter the Earth's Atmosphere

Posted by Soulskill on from the hold-on-to-something dept.

astroengine writes: In a mesmerizing new video released by NASA, the Dec. 5 reentry of the Orion test space vehicle is chronicled — and it's a phenomenal 10-minute ride from fiery reentry to sudden splashdown into the Pacific Ocean. (YouTube Link.)

3 of 75 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Makes me moist... by SternisheFan · · Score: 3, Insightful

    That time that it takes for the main chutes to fully open has got to be a real nailbiter.

  2. Re:Re-entry is done wrong by __aanbvm4272 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The edge of space has too thin of an atmosphere for controlling anything. How can you stop going 32.000MPH slowly, without bouncing off like a pebble across water? This was the main concern about re-entry as I recall. Even if you could slow down slowly you would drop like a lead weight without a thicker atmosphere to slow the fall. So they quickly get into the controllable area ASAP.

  3. Re:Perspective by itzly · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The also had a front facing camera, but didn't include the footage, because the heat shield was blocking the view the whole time.