A NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere at about 75 miles above sea level and speeds close to 17,500 mph. When slowing down to its landing speed of about 215 mph, the orbiter’s external surface can experience temperatures close to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit from friction due to air resistance. To put that in perspective, the Space Shuttle Orbiter’s airframe is made out of aluminum, which anneals (or softens) at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). To protect the metal
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