atmospheric entry

Atmospheric entry occurs when a spacecraft or object from space travels into Earth's atmosphere at high speed. As it penetrates the atmosphere, it encounters air molecules that create extreme heat due to compression and friction. This causes the object’s surface to glow and can generate intense heat, which must be managed to prevent damage. To survive this process, spacecraft are protected by heat shields designed to absorb and dissipate heat efficiently. Atmospheric entry is a critical phase in space missions, requiring careful planning to ensure a safe descent and landing back on Earth.