Exploring the intricate process of reentering Earth's atmosphere for spacecraft, emphasizing the crucial role of the Earth's atmosphere as brakes for a safe descent. The chapter delves into concepts like orbital velocity, energy dissipation, and heat shields, highlighting the engineering considerations for a successful reentry. Additionally, it discusses the importance of controlled de-orbiting to prevent space debris and mentions a case of intentionally sending a space probe to burn up in Saturn's atmosphere.
What is the Sun’s ecliptic? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break down the things you thought you knew about spheres in the universe, navigating the sky, and taking spacecraft out of orbit.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-the-geometric-universe/
Thanks to our Patrons Will Farmer, David Robertson, Andrii Snihyr, Michael de Boeve, Patricia A Elvin, Dade Bloomfield, Ahmed Dawod, Oenomaus Williamson, Marek Król, and Elizabeth Terveer for supporting us this week.
Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.