Sunny Priyan
The spacecraft experiences temperatures of up to 2,500°F due to friction with Earth's atmosphere, requiring advanced heat shielding to protect the crew.
Astronauts undergo intense gravitational forces during re-entry, which can cause discomfort, disorientation, and even physical harm if not properly managed.
Returning to Earth's gravity after prolonged time in space can cause balance issues, muscle weakness, and dizziness, as the body readjusts.
The spacecraft must precisely control its descent angle and speed to avoid breaking up or crashing during atmospheric re-entry.
During re-entry, ionized air can cause a temporary communication blackout with mission control.
After re-entry, the spacecraft must land accurately in remote, challenging terrains, complicating recovery efforts.