January 24th 08, 09:55 PM
Steve Foley > wrote:
> "Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> >
> http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/01/origami-spaceplane-to-launch-from-space-station
> "A large spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle can reach speeds of up to Mach
> 20 (over 15,200 mph) when it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere .............
> The much lighter origami aircraft, which the researchers claim will come
> down more slowly, is not expected to burn up on re-entry. "
> Wouldn't a smaller 'aircraft' be traveling just as fast if it's coming out
> of orbit?
None of weight, density, or size will make the slightest difference
in the speed until it hits enough air to have significant drag.
A bowling ball and a feather fall at the same rate in a vacuum.
--
Jim Pennino
Remove .spam.sux to reply.
> "Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> >
> http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/01/origami-spaceplane-to-launch-from-space-station
> "A large spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle can reach speeds of up to Mach
> 20 (over 15,200 mph) when it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere .............
> The much lighter origami aircraft, which the researchers claim will come
> down more slowly, is not expected to burn up on re-entry. "
> Wouldn't a smaller 'aircraft' be traveling just as fast if it's coming out
> of orbit?
None of weight, density, or size will make the slightest difference
in the speed until it hits enough air to have significant drag.
A bowling ball and a feather fall at the same rate in a vacuum.
--
Jim Pennino
Remove .spam.sux to reply.