Retired NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain explains what the Artemis II crew will experience after reentry
After a long journey through the vastness of space, the Artemis II mission is coming to an end. The crew has successfully completed their mission and are now preparing for their return to Earth. But what happens during reentry and what can the crew expect to experience? Retired NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot Susan Kilrain sheds some light on this exciting and crucial phase of the mission.
Reentry is the process of returning a spacecraft back to Earth’s atmosphere from orbit. It is the final and most critical step of any space mission. As the spacecraft reenters the Earth’s atmosphere, it is traveling at an incredibly high speed, around 25,000 km/h. This causes intense friction and heat which can reach temperatures up to 1,600 degrees Celsius. This is why the spacecraft is equipped with a heat shield to protect it from burning up.
As the spacecraft enters the Earth’s atmosphere, the crew will experience intense G-forces, which is the force of gravity acting on their bodies. This is because the spacecraft slows down rapidly due to the drag and pressure of the Earth’s atmosphere. The crew will feel a weight on their bodies, similar to being pressed on by 3-4 times their body weight. This may sound like a lot, but Kilrain assures that the crew has been trained to handle these G-forces and it is a common experience for astronauts during reentry.
Kilrain explains that as the spacecraft descends deeper into the atmosphere, the air around it becomes denser and the friction becomes even more intense. This causes the bottom of the spacecraft to heat up and the heat shield to glow red hot. But she reassures that the heat shield is designed to withstand these extreme temperatures and protect the crew inside.
One of the most crucial stages of reentry is the deployment of parachutes. As the spacecraft continues to slow down, it eventually reaches a speed where parachutes can be deployed. This reduces the spacecraft’s speed even further and allows for a safer landing. Kilrain recalls her own experience of feeling the abrupt jolt as the parachutes deployed and the spacecraft slowed down quickly. She describes it as a moment of relief, knowing that they were getting closer to a safe landing.
Apart from the G-forces and intense heat, reentry can also cause some discomfort for the crew. Kilrain explains that as the spacecraft slows down, the crew’s inner ear may start to adjust to the change in gravity, causing a feeling of dizziness. She recalls her own experience of feeling a sense of disorientation during reentry, but she assures that it is a temporary feeling and the crew usually recovers quickly.
As the spacecraft gets closer to the ground, the crew will experience the final stage of reentry – the landing. The spacecraft will be traveling at a much slower speed now, around 200 km/h, but it is still a delicate process. Kilrain explains that the spacecraft’s parachute system will guide it to a designated landing site, and the final touchdown will be a smooth and controlled one.
Once the spacecraft has landed, the crew will undergo a series of medical evaluations to ensure their well-being. This is an important step as the crew’s bodies need to readjust to Earth’s gravity after spending a significant amount of time in space. Kilrain explains that the crew may experience some muscle soreness and joint stiffness, but these are common and temporary effects of microgravity.
The Artemis II crew, just like all astronauts, will have successfully completed an incredible journey and embarked on a groundbreaking mission. They will have overcome challenges, experienced extraordinary moments, and gained a new perspective of the world we live in. Kilrain, who has been through the reentry process herself, assures that the crew will be well taken care of and their safety is of utmost importance.
In the end, the Artemis II crew will be welcomed back to Earth as heroes, having pushed the limits of human exploration and paved the way for future missions. They will be remembered for their bravery, dedication, and contribution to the advancement of science and space technology. Kilrain, along with the rest of the world, eagerly awaits the safe return of the Artemis II crew and looks forward to hearing about their fascinating journey beyond our atmosphere.