AI Summary

When a spacecraft reenters Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, its heat shield is exposed to temperatures exceeding 3,000 °F (1,650 °C). The shield must survive by using specialized materials that absorb heat while gradually degrading in a controlled process known as ablation. During ablation, the outer layers of the shield are sacrificed, releasing heat and protecting the vehicle and its crew. This controlled degradation is essential for the shield’s ability to withstand the extreme thermal environment of reentry.

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