Air Resistance

Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the atmosphere. In space and astronautical engineering, air resistance is a significant factor to consider when designing spacecraft and their trajectories. During launch, spacecraft must overcome air resistance to reach orbit. During re-entry, air resistance causes heat buildup and can damage the spacecraft. Engineers must design spacecraft with materials that can withstand the high temperatures generated by air resistance. Additionally, air resistance affects the trajectory of spacecraft, and engineers must take this into account when planning missions. For example, spacecraft may need to be designed with a specific shape or angle to minimize air resistance and maintain a stable trajectory.

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