posted on Mar, 16 2009 @ 11:18 AM
reply to post by Mozzy
Mozzy, I'll bite.....
Do you know how fast satellites, in orbit, are travelling?
It will vary by height....but we're talking 17,000 to 18,000 MPH, in order to remain on orbit. When their orbit begins to decay, the tremendous
speeds produce a huge amount of frictional heat.
As Chadwickus pointed out, indeed the Shuttle is travelling at similar velocities, but is protected by specially made ceramic tiles on the
undersurfaces and leading edges.
[edit on 3/16/0909 by weedwhacker]