Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science

Gary... Long Shot scenario
Adam — (archived)

Hi Guys

For Gary...

Vernor Vinge is known for getting his science right. In his story "Long Shot" [anthologized in "Explorers"] he presents a scenario in which an unmanned vehicle deccelerates via an aerobrake from ~ 110 km/s in the atmosphere of a terrestrial planet. Is such a thing feasible?

Naturally the vehicle ablates a lot of heat-shield and experiences some BIG gees. I think it also skips out into a large ellipse before final re-entry.

Adam

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