The erosion of a solid body by a high-temperature gas stream moving with high velocity, e.g. a re-entry vehicle’s heat shield which melts or chars under the effects of air friction.
During re-entry, the spacecraft travels extremely fast, and it compresses the air ahead of it. The compression of air layers near the leading edges of the spacecraft is very quick, causing the temperature of the air to rise as high as 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1649 Celsius. Because it’s in contact with the craft, it heats the shuttle’s surface.
The angle of re-entry is crucial as if the entry angle is too steep, deceleration forces (the braking effect due to atmospheric friction) will become too much, and the spacecraft could break up. Additionally, the steeper the entry angle, the higher the heat flux. This is a measure of the amount of thermal energy absorbed by the heat shield every second.
Useful videos:
What really happens during atmospheric re-entry?
This is not a toy. This is an educational kit which demonstrates a science experiment. All assembly and operation of the kit should be done and supervised by an adult or aged 14 and up. Read instructions before use.
© Copyright 2025 Hinterland Limited.
NASA graphic, Source: International Space Archives LLC. International Space Archives logo © International Space Archives. NASA photo, Source: International Space Archives LLC
Standard delivery ships in 2-4 working days.
Please allow up to 4 weeks for international orders to arrive (we are working very hard to reduce this time).
FREE on all orders over £25.00;
£3.95 for orders under £25.00;
Please download your resources here or check your email for download links.
Contacting us is easy, simply complete the form below.
