Minimum speed required for Shuttle Orbiter to enter the atmosphere?

Subject: Minimum speed required for Shuttle Orbiter to enter the atmosphere?

Date: Mon Feb 3 20:01:14 2003
Posted by Jake
Grade level: undergrad School: ITT
City: Omaha State/Province: NE Country: USA
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 1044320474.As

Message:


Along sames lines as ID:985225101.Ph.

Interested in minimum speed that a Shuttle Orbiter must maintain to enter the 
atmosphere.  I understand that it starts out at 17000 mph.  I guess a bigger 
question is, why does the shuttle have to be going 15000 mph at 300000 feet?  
Is there no other way for it to slow down to lessen the friction/heat?  Thx.

Re: Minimum speed required for Shuttle Orbiter to enter the atmosphere?

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