why is atmosphere reentry such an issue? If it is just because of speed hitting the atmosphere why can’t the spacecraft just slow down before and synchronise with earth rotation?
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Economics. For example, look at the size of the space shuttle compared to the rocket that it sits on that puts it into orbit. You’d need a second rocket of the same size to provide the reverse experience except then you’d also need an even bigger launch rocket to propel the shuttle and the re-entry rocket.
Alternatively, you can just have one rocket and use the atmosphere itself to slow you down for re-entry.
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