3 ms·
Inconel is tough stuff, melting at around 1400°C. However looks like re-entry temps can range from 2,900°C to 6,650°C. I guess the question is if it's hot enoug
by briandw 3y ago
Inconel is tough stuff, melting at around 1400°C. However looks like re-entry temps can range from 2,900°C to 6,650°C. I guess the question is if it's hot enough for long enough to melt a large lump. Apparently not in this case.
- iJohnDoe 3y agoI wonder if NASA should have known this?
- sp332 3y agohttps://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/a-hunk-of-junk-from-the-international-space-station-hurtles-back-to-earth/ https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/a-hunk-of-junk-from-th... NASA said "We do not expect any portion to have survived reentry," but the ESA said "some parts may reach the ground."
- testplzignore 3y agoNASA must be using the GFS model for their predictions :)
- userbinator 3y agoAs evidenced in the photo, it probably did partially melt and deform; but getting hit with a slug of molten metal is unlikely to be any better of a result. What's more important here is the boiling point.
- andrewflnr 3y agoNot that much more important. Even if the metal is only liquefied, under the airflow it'll be prone to breaking into droplets with much lower terminal velocity, with much the same effect of reducing the mass that can actually hurt anyone. Unless I'm missing something big about the dynamics?