Shuttle question

[iamjulian]

When the shuttle starts re-entry does it light up like a fireball when viewed from earth? Just wondered whether re-entry is 'observable' if you happen to be in the right place? Thanks.

[Talitha]

Good question, i'd never thought of that before.

[Dave]

Details of the STS-121 path are detailed here.

THIRDWAVEDAVE: STS 121 RE-ENTRY GROUND TRACKS

So only Mexico or a boat in the Gulf of Mexico will view re-entry this time.

Other times it approaches from the North, so more of America gets to view it. All depends on the orbit track at that time.

Live satellite tracking of the shuttle is here:

Human Space Flight (HSF) - Orbital Tracking

Dave

[Dave]

Shuttle may be forced to land at Edwards in California if bad weather in Florida persists.

Here are the ground tracks in all cases.

NASA - STS-128 Landing Ground Tracks

Dave

[Vega]

I dont think re-entry can ever be observed from the UK for as long as it lands in Florida (or california alternative). In both cases the early stages of re-entry begins over the pacific.

Matt

[iamjulian]

Thanks. I appreciate it cannot be seen from the UK, but from where it can be seen, what does it look like? Spectacular or non event? Thanks for the links Dave.

[Dave]

It is supposed to be like a very bright meteor.

If you've seen the videos of the Columbia disaster, it's similar to that, but not as fragmented.

Look at this video:

Space Shuttle Night Reentry • VideoSift: Online Video *Quality Control

[iamjulian]

Perfect, thanks.