OT: Shuttle Breaks Up During Re-Entry

[tbontob]

Originally posted by Ruatha:

quote:

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Originally posted by tbontob:

As you say the shear forces of the wind would be extraordinarily high. The friction would heat the pieces to almost molten metal and any residue would be boiled or burnt off before or on impact.

Well. That did obviously not happen.
A lot of things have shown up that aren't molten metal. Helmets etc.

But I do also think the main reason is to sttop souvenir hunters. And a good reason aswell!

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Thanx Ruatha

True, I didn't take into account the lightness and size of the object.

I stand corrected.