How Do Missiles Reenter Earth's Atmosphere?

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    atmosphere missile
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reentry of ballistic missiles into Earth's atmosphere, exploring the mechanics and implications of their flight paths, altitude, and the differences between missiles and rockets. Participants examine the technical aspects of missile trajectories, the reasons for high-altitude tests, and the definitions of related terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the steep angle of reentry for ballistic missiles compared to the space shuttle, questioning the feasibility of such an approach without disintegration.
  • Another participant explains that missiles can use a steep angle due to their design, which allows for thick insulation and does not require a soft landing.
  • A question is raised about the customary altitude for ballistic missiles, with some participants suggesting that high altitudes are used for testing range and trajectory calculations.
  • Participants discuss the implications of missile trajectories, noting that a ballistic missile follows a ballistic path after its engines burn out, regardless of the initial altitude.
  • There is a discussion about the differences between missiles and rockets, with various definitions and distinctions being proposed, including the concepts of guidance and propulsion.
  • Some participants express confusion over the terminology, particularly regarding what constitutes a missile versus a rocket and the implications of guidance on ballistic trajectories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the definitions of missiles and rockets, with some agreeing on basic distinctions while others challenge or refine these definitions. The discussion on missile reentry and trajectory remains exploratory, with no consensus reached on all points.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions behind missile trajectories, the implications of altitude on flight paths, and the definitions of terms related to munitions. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of technical concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying aerospace engineering, military technology, or the physics of projectile motion, as well as individuals curious about the technical aspects of missile design and operation.

  • #31
berkeman said:
Try again? Have you met THAAD?

Can THAAD stops 50 simultaneous North Korea ICBMs launch in 2018? If one slips through then hail mary to Washington or New York especially if Iran gave NK the multiple warhead per ICBM technology.
 
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  • #32
I don't know. You will need to ask Donald Trump that question. You should schedule a vacation and fact finding trip to Washington to follow up your North Korea trip.
 
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  • #33
(Sorry that I'm messing with you this much. On re-reading, you do seem genuinely concerned about this)
 
  • #34
berkeman said:
(Sorry that I'm messing with you this much. On re-reading, you do seem genuinely concerned about this)

But I think we mustn't really worry too much. After 1944, there was not any Nagasaki incident. And for many near nuclear detonations accidents that occurred, there were many UFOs reported.. even putting the entire Minuteman complex in stop down and many crews seeing giant spacecraft outside the nuclear facilities... so I think our someone out there watching for us. In the event of massive ICBMs launch in korea. I think they can handle it so we must not worry.
 

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