Question

A space shuttle while descending rapidly to the surface of earth from a mission gets heated up intensely and catches fire. Assuming no malfunctioning of its engine or components, what can be a possible cause?

• A. Gravitational pull of the Sun is too strong on the shuttle.
• B. Velocity of the shuttle is too low.
• C. Earth's atmosphere offers frictional force.
• D. Parachutes are attached.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Earth's atmosphere offers frictional force.

When you run fast against wind, the air applies a frictional force or drag force on you in the opposite direction. Similarly, when the shuttle descends with a very high speed, the air in the Earth's atmosphere exerts frictional force on it in the opposite direction. This can lead to monstrous heating of the frame of shuttle and it might catch fire.