02. How do we know where to re-enter the atmosphere? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

During preparation for landing a simple calculation is completed. There are some known facts: how fast we are going, how high we are, and where we want to land. This is an energy-versus-range calculation which determines where the deorbit maneuver begins. Generally it is initiated about 10,000 miles from touchdown and approximately one hour before landing.

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Answer provided by Col. USAF (Ret.) Frederick D. Gregory

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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