Why would a spacecraft go through the atmosphere at high speed, regardless of the cost of burning, when it returns to Earth?

Crossing the black barrier is the most dangerous moment for astronauts returning to Earth, and this area is also known as the black barrier. During this process, the exterior of the return capsule will be burned red due to high-speed friction

Crossing the black barrier is the most dangerous moment for astronauts returning to Earth, and this area is also known as the black barrier. During this process, the exterior of the return capsule will be burned red due to high-speed friction. Astronauts need to persist for 4 minutes in such a dangerous environment, and for them, these 4 minutes are exceptionally long. Since crossing the blackout area is so dangerous, why not adjust the return module to reduce pain? Why cannot reverse acceleration or early opening of the parachute be performed? In addition, what are the dangers of blackout areas? Can there be a better way to return in the future? Let's explore these issues together. Why would a spacecraft go through the atmosphere at high speed at the cost of burning when it returns to Earth? Cross the black barrier area. The black barrier zone refers to the atmosphere 35 to 80 kilometers above the ground, where gases ionize due to high-temperature friction and solar radiation.

During the landing and crossing process, these ions will envelop the entire return module, affecting communication between the return module and the command room, causing both sides to lose signals. The speed at which the re-entry module enters the atmosphere is very fast, approximately 7.9 kilometers per second, as it needs to orbit the Earth for a period of time before returning. After reaching the return position, the engine is started to adjust the flight trajectory of the return module until the angle between the return module and the Earth's surface reaches 3 degrees, and the astronaut can safely return to Earth. The issue of burn marks on the surface of the return cabin cannot be ignored. Due to the rapid landing speed, the return module experienced severe friction with ions in the atmosphere, resulting in a surface temperature of an astonishing 2000 degrees. The disaster of the Columbia space shuttle was caused by a small crack on the surface, which was torn apart when passing through the black barrier area, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the entire aircraft.

Many people may wonder why it is not possible to slow down in advance and prevent the return capsule from entering the atmosphere at such a high speed? For example, can reverse acceleration be carried out so that it can slowly cross the black barrier area and avoid burning the return module. In theory, this is feasible, but there are huge difficulties in practical implementation! The initial speed of the return module is very high, and if you want to slow down, you must perform a reverse ignition. However, the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere is very thin and can almost be seen as a vacuum state. If reverse ignition is carried out, the return module will suddenly return to space, making it impossible to achieve safe return. In addition to high temperatures and burn marks, there are other hazards in the black barrier area. In this area, spacecraft may be affected by strong radiation and high-energy particles.

These radiation can have a negative impact on the health of astronauts and cause damage to the electronic equipment of spacecraft. In addition, the blackout zone can generate enormous aerodynamic forces, causing immense pressure on the structure of the spacecraft, which may lead to structural rupture or loss of control. Therefore, both astronauts and spacecraft face significant risks when crossing the blackout zone. So, can there be better return methods in the future? The current technology and knowledge limit our choices. The return capsule needs to experience high-speed crossing through the black barrier area because it is currently the safest and most feasible way. Although this process poses significant risks, after years of research and improvement, the return capsule has achieved relatively high safety. However, scientists and engineers have been working hard to find better solutions to improve the safety and comfort of astronauts returning to Earth.

Perhaps in the near future, with the advancement of technology and new discoveries, we will find better ways to cross the black barrier area and reduce the risks faced by the return capsule. In short, crossing the black barrier is the most dangerous moment for astronauts returning to Earth. The return module is facing high temperature friction and may be burned red. Although some people question why the return module should not be adjusted to reduce pain, current technology limits our choices. There are other hazards when crossing the black barrier area, such as strong radiation, high-energy particles, and aerodynamic pressure. Scientists and engineers are constantly striving to find better return methods to improve the safety and comfort of astronauts. Further research and discovery are needed to determine whether there will be better choices in the future. What is your opinion on the safety of crossing the blackout zone and returning astronauts to Earth? Do you think we can find a better way to return in the future?

Welcome to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments. Why must the return capsule land through a parachute? Why can't we accelerate the landing in reverse? This article will provide detailed answers to these questions for everyone. In space, spacecraft require energy to perform various operations, while returning to Earth requires a significant amount of deceleration. Reverse acceleration seems to be a relatively direct method, but in reality, this method consumes a large amount of energy from the spacecraft and requires burning a large amount of fuel. Therefore, this method not only cannot guarantee the carrying capacity of the return cabin, but also requires carrying more fuel, thus the cost will become very high. So, why can't we just open the parachute and land? In fact, the parachute of the return module cannot be landed as soon as it is opened.

Generally speaking, when a spacecraft returns to the ground, it requires three parachutes, which are the guide parachute, deceleration parachute, and main parachute in order of opening. The guiding umbrella is essentially like a lead, its function is to open the entire parachute package; The deceleration parachute is used to slow down and straighten the return cabin position, and the last two parachutes truly play a deceleration role. The last thing to open is the main parachute, which has a total area of 1200 square meters and is a huge parachute that plays the role of final deceleration and landing. So why can't we open the parachute in advance? In fact, a parachute needs air to be able to open. When entering the atmosphere with very thin surface air, a parachute cannot be opened. In addition, when the spacecraft enters the atmosphere at a very fast speed, if the parachute is opened at this time, it will also participate in friction and be burned. Therefore, the parachute must be about 10 kilometers above the ground before it can open.

The process of landing in the return module requires multiple steps, and why is this method used for landing? The main reason is to reduce subsequent damage. If the large umbrella is still connected to the return module, once encountering strong winds, it will pull the return module around, causing it to roll on the ground, and the astronauts inside are likely to be injured. Therefore, after the connection between the parachute and the return module was automatically cut off, the two were no longer connected, avoiding possible harm. Looking back at the entire process, we can see that in order to ensure safety, a complex parachute system is required for the return capsule landing. Although this method is relatively time-consuming and resource intensive, compared to other methods, it is the safest and most reliable. After all, the safety of astronauts is priceless, and we must make every effort to protect their lives.

Finally, we cannot help but ask: Is there a better way to land? Welcome to leave a message for discussion. The black barrier that crosses the atmosphere has always been a challenge in space exploration. When crossing the black barrier area in the return capsule, not only will it face the problem of high temperature burning, but also energy consumption and parachute material need to be considered. By contrast, utilizing Earth's gravity for return is a cheaper and energy-efficient way. But why does a spacecraft not burn up when entering space, but burn up when it returns? The aircraft needs to enter space orbit at sufficient speed, and when leaving Earth, it needs to reach a speed of at least 7.9 kilometers per second. Rockets launched on the ground need to accelerate into space to reach this speed. The von Kamen Line separates space and the atmosphere, approximately 100 kilometers above the ground.

The black barrier area is located within a range of 35 to 80 kilometers from the ground, and the rocket's speed in the black barrier area is only 4 to 5 kilometers per second, and the friction force is not enough to cause the shell to burn. Therefore, during the launch process of the spacecraft, the exterior does not turn hot or red. However, during landing and crossing the atmosphere, the frictional force will gradually increase, causing the return capsule to be burned into a fireball. Scientists have been searching for ways to eliminate black spots for the past few decades, but they have yet to find a solution because the gases in black spots are beyond human control. Therefore, the return module still faces significant challenges when crossing the black barrier area. For astronauts, the process of returning can be described as a long "jump" from a building. During this process, astronauts need to withstand the impact of high-speed descent. In order to protect the safety of astronauts, they wore spacesuits during their return journey.

The spacesuit can withstand a certain amount of high temperature, and if there are cracks in the return module that cause the internal temperature to rise, astronauts can still be protected from direct overheating. In summary, the black barrier zone that crosses the atmosphere has always been a challenge in the aerospace field. Although utilizing Earth's gravity for return is a relatively inexpensive and energy-efficient method, the presence of black spots still limits the return ability of spacecraft. Scientists need further research to find effective solutions to the problem of black spots in order to conduct space exploration more safely and economically. How do you think we can solve the problem of black spots crossing the atmosphere? Is there any other solution that can replace the current return method? Welcome to leave your comments. Astronaut: A heroic astronaut in human space exploration, this profession not only represents the feat of human space exploration, but also is a high-risk profession.

They are constantly facing the risk of life and death while crossing the vast universe. The tragedy of the Columbia space shuttle is a thought-provoking example. Even wearing spacesuits, astronauts cannot escape the disaster. What makes them choose such a path, and why are they willing to risk their lives to explore unknown fields? During the process of space exploration, astronauts face various dangers. Every step from rocket launch to return capsule landing is a challenge to life. Even when the spacecraft lands, they cannot fully determine whether the landing point will be on the ground. Sometimes, they may land in the ocean. In response to this situation, the return capsule was designed to be amphibious. It can float on the water surface and is equipped with signal flares for rescue planes to quickly locate astronauts.

Behind this design is a high level of attention and protection for the safety of astronauts' lives. However, even with such protective measures, the work of astronauts remains extremely dangerous. In history, 22 astronauts have sacrificed themselves during missions, and many reserve astronauts have encountered accidents during training. These sacrifices and accidents are heartbreaking and deeply admirable for the courage and dedication of astronauts. The profession of astronauts is not only a job, but also a responsibility and mission. In order to be competent for space missions, astronauts need to undergo rigorous training. During training, they will face various extreme environmental and physical challenges. They need to possess excellent physical and psychological qualities to cope with potential emergencies. Only after long-term training and screening can one truly become a qualified astronaut.

The efforts and dedication of astronauts have paved the way for human space endeavors. Their bravery and sacrifice deserve our respect and praise. It is precisely because of their efforts that humans have been able to deeply explore the universe, understand more of its mysteries, and open up broader possibilities for humanity's future. However, we cannot ignore the risks and difficulties faced by astronauts. They risked their lives to explore unknown fields, bringing many advances and discoveries to humanity. But should we let them bear such responsibilities and risks alone? Perhaps we should pay more attention to their safety and provide them with better protection and support. In future space exploration, we need to think about how to better protect the safety of astronauts. Can the safety of aircraft be improved through technological means?

Can more emergency measures be added to the task? These issues are all worth considering and exploring. As heroes of humanity, astronauts have made tremendous contributions to the human space industry. Their courage and dedication are worthy of our praise and admiration. At the same time, we should also reflect and think about how to better protect their safety. Only in this way can we better promote the development of human space exploration and create better prospects for the future of humanity. How do you think the profession of astronauts can improve safety? Do you have any stories and opinions about astronauts? Welcome to leave a message and share!

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