Space Shuttle re-entry plasma
Space Shuttle re-entry plasma is the extremely hot, ionised gas layer that forms around a spacecraft as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere at high speed.
Also known as: shuttle reentry plasma temperature
How big is it?
8,000 K
Representative plasma temperature · defined reference
Typical recorded range: 5,000 K to 10,000 K.
A little perspective
Space Shuttle re-entry plasma is 2,228 K warmer than Sun.
Sun: The Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Space Shuttle re-entry plasma
An 8,000 K representative scale for the ionised shock-layer gas around a re-entering shuttle. Temperature varies strongly through the flow and is not the vehicle skin temperature.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked representative plasma temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Sun
Our star, modelled with the IAU nominal solar radius. “Surface” means the visible photosphere. The core is much hotter; this is not a solid surface.
IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constants
The marked surface temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 8,000 K
For comparison, this page uses representative plasma temperature. This is labelled defined reference: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 5,000 K to 10,000 K.
An 8,000 K representative scale for the ionised shock-layer gas around a re-entering shuttle. Temperature varies strongly through the flow and is not the vehicle skin temperature.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Space Shuttle re-entry plasma dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 K | 5,000 K to 10,000 K | defined reference |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible temperature records, ordered around the selected value.
Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceSpace Shuttle orbiter37.24 mA Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
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