University of Tokyo spaceplane to launch from space station

Steve Foley wrote:
"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...

http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/01/...-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?






One would think so.