02. How do we know where to re-enter the atmosphere? (A K2S Question)
From The Space Library
During preparation for landing a simple calculation is completed. There are some known facts: how fast we are going, how high we are, and where we want to land. This is an energy-versus-range calculation which determines where the deorbit maneuver begins. Generally it is initiated about 10,000 miles from touchdown and approximately one hour before landing.
Answer provided by Col. USAF (Ret.) Frederick D. Gregory
Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer
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