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| − | [[File:Kerbal X reentry.png|thumb|Reentry of a [[Kerbal X]] capsule]]
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| − | [[File:19Aerobrake.jpg|thumb|Effects of atmospheric entry in [[Jool]]'s atmosphere]]
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| − | '''Atmospheric entry''' is the process of a [[Craft|spacecraft]] or other object entering the [[atmosphere]] of a [[celestial body]]. It is most commonly used when referring to the re-entry of [[Kerbin]], although there are several bodies in the [[Kerbol]] system that have atmospheres. These bodies are, from [[Moho]] to [[Eeloo]], [[Eve]], Kerbin, [[Duna]] (Atmospheric Reentry is not very effective on Duna), [[Jool]] and its moon [[Laythe]].
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| − | == Naming ==
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| − | The scientific correct term is ''atmospheric entry'' and applies to all bodies with an atmosphere. ''Re-entry'' is only used when a craft enters the atmosphere of the body it started from. As all craft started from Kerbin it is only correct for entering Kerbin's atmosphere. Colloquially the term ''re-entry'' or ''reentry'' is used for all atmospheric entries. [[Aerocapture]]s can be treated as atmospheric entries, although an atmospheric entry usually describes slowing down in the atmosphere to assist in the landing.
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| − | == Appearance ==
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| − | The atmospheric entry can first be detected when the velocity starts to slow although the craft is falling and the [[periapsis]] is still ahead. As the craft sinks into the atmosphere, drag steadily increases and shock heating effects appear, which look like flames. Those effects were added in {{Version|0.19.0}}.
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| − | == Dangers for the craft ==
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| − | With the release of version [[1.0]], heating is simulated and can damage the craft. Atmospheric entry is often the most dangerous point of missions in the real world and like there it is possible to protect against the heat by using [[Heat shield|heat shields]]. Parts will be destroyed if they exceed their maximum temperature, with delicate parts like batteries usually breaking first. It is possible to change the strength of the heating by changing the difficulty before starting a session or using the [[Debug Toolbar]] while playing one.
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| − | Before version 1.0 flames already appeared but they were usually quite harmless in Kerbal Space Program. Those effects are merely cosmetic and in the stock game the drag induced by the atmosphere can only destroy extended [[solar panel|solarpanels]] – the exception being the [[OX-STAT Photovoltaic Panels]], which cannot be extended or retracted; since they lie flat against the surface to which they're mounted, they won't be harmed by atmospheric entry unless they overheat. The rest of the craft won't break apart during entry unless it strikes the atmosphere at extremely high velocity (generally beyond that which can be achieved without cheating) or it has many flexible part joints and an un-aerodynamic shape (e.g., a space station).
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| − | If returning to [[Kerbin]], then disintegrating solar panels might be fun to watch, but this phenomenon can be a danger to probes on other bodies. In extreme cases, it is possible for solar panels without the protective casing to be destroyed despite being retracted, though this only occurs on [[Eve]]'s dense atmosphere.
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| − | With their protective spacesuits, [[Kerbal|Kerbals]] can survive entering the atmosphere. Of course, they will usually die upon impact, although a glitch exists in which they may not be harmed if they hit the ground helmet-first.
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| − | A spacecraft can be easily obliterated during atmospheric entry if [[physics warp]] is activated. It is advised not to activate physics warp with a [[Parachute|parachuting]] ship until the chute opens. Parachutes that have opened can survive the 3x physics warp on [[Kerbin]].
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| − | == See also ==
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| − | * {{Wikipedia}}
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| − | [[Category:Physics]]
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