Reentry Collection

Shuttle Test Using Electron Beam
A space shuttle model undergoes a wind tunnel test in 1975. This test is simulating the ionized gasses that surround a shuttle as it reenters the atmosphere

Illustration of a space shuttle re-entering the Earths atmosphere. In order for the Space Shuttle to return to Earth it must shed 18

Vostok reentry capsule, early version of the soyuz, 1967

Plasmatron for space research
Spaceflight research. View of a radio-frequency plasmatron (plasma generator) in a laboratory. The plasmatron is used to generate plasmas that simulate the conditions of very high-speed flight

SpaceLiner transport, artwork C016 / 6385
SpaceLiner transport. Artwork of the suborbital, hypersonic passenger transport being studied by the SART (Space Launcher Systems Analysis) group at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR)

SpaceShipOne re-entry
SpaceShipOne private spacecraft. Image 3 of 3. Computer artwork of SpaceShipOne re-entering the Earths atmosphere. The design allows the wings to pivot, forming the correct alignment

Space capsule heat shield damage
Soyuz TM-10 space capsule (descent module) on display at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC. Capsule heat shield is damaged due to the heat of re-entry into the Earths atmosphere

Corona spy satellite
Corona KH-4B spy satellite on display at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC. Americas first photoreconnaissance satellite, also known by the cover name Discoverer

Soyuz TM-10 Capsule
Soyuz TM-10 space capsule (descent module) on display at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC. Capsule is blackened due to the heat of re-entry into the Earths atmosphere

Experimental reentry test vehicle
Experimental re-entry test vehicle. Close-up of an Expert (eXPErimental Reentry Testbed) re-entry vehicle built by the ESA (European Space Agency)

Vostok 1 spacecraft re-entry, 1961
Vostok 1 spacecraft re-entry. Artwork of the Vostok 1 spacecraft during re-entry to the Earths atmosphere during the historic spaceflight by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968)

Gagarins orbit in Vostok 1, 1961
Gagarins orbit in Vostok 1. Orbital flightpath (red, on a map of the Earth) of the Vostok 1 spacecraft (upper left, call sign KEDR) that carried Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968)

Gagarins return to Earth, 1961
Yuri Alekseyevich 9 March 1934 Ôé¼" 27 March 1968), Hero of the Soviet Union, was a Soviet cosmonaut. On 12 April 1961, he became the first human in outer space and the first to orbit the Earth

Space shuttle re-entry, artwork
Space shuttle re-entry. Artwork of a space shuttle re-entering the Earths atmosphere. The shuttle re-enters at a 40 degree nose-up angle

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"Reentry: Exploring the Boundaries of Flight" As shown in this photo of the HL-10 flight simulator, the lifting-body pilots embarked on a journey to push the limits technology. The four principal HL-10 pilots are seen here with the lifting body aircraft, ready to soar into uncharted territories. The HL-10 Lifting Body is seen here in powered flight shortly after launch from the B-52 mothership, defying gravity and paving the way for future space exploration. Like other lifting bodies, it gracefully glides over Rogers Dry lakebed, showcasing its remarkable aerodynamic capabilities. John Manke is shown here on the lakebed next to the HL-10, one of four different lifting-body vehicles he flew. These daring pilots fearlessly ventured into unknown realms to gather crucial data for NASA's research endeavors. NASA research pilot Bill Dana stands proudly in front of the HL-10 Lifting Body following his first glide flight on April 25. This moment marked a significant milestone in understanding reentry dynamics and shaping future spacecraft designs. This captivating photo shows the HL-10 in flight as it elegantly turns to line up with lakebed runway 18. Its sleek silhouette against an azure sky symbolizes humanity's relentless pursuit of conquering new horizons. The HL-10 lifting body is seen majestically soaring over Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards AFB—a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Each flight brought us closer to unraveling mysteries surrounding atmospheric reentry. The HL-10, parked on NASA's Flight Research Center ramp in 1966, stood as a beacon of innovation and progress. It served as an inspiration for generations that followed—proof that dreams can take shape through unwavering dedication and scientific exploration. Resting peacefully on Rogers Dry Lake—the unique location where it landed after extensive research—the iconic presence of the parked HL-10 reminds us all that breakthroughs are born from relentless experimentation and the pursuit of knowledge.