21. Because of the gravitational pull, is coming home to Earth faster than going out to space? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

Coming back to Earth can be faster than leaving Earth; however, it depends on the particular situation. For example, when the Shuttle reenters the Earth's atmosphere, it is traveling much faster but it is not losing altitude more quickly than it gains altitude during lift off. Re-entering the Earth's atmosphere is much easier than leaving it because we are working with gravity. However, to do it safely, there are many precautions that need to be taken to ensure safety of the crew and protection of the vehicle.

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Answer provided by Dana S. Klein & D. Brooke Owens

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

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