| Atmospheric friction is created intentionally to slow down the shuttle on reentry, rather than wasting a ton of fuel to do it. Objects like a satellite in a failing orbit can do reentry with little problem, going a lot faster than expected, and landing wherever the hell gravity wants.
Now if they could ensure it landed in Iran I'm sure they'd say fuck it and wait gleefully, but since they can't direct the satellite or predict the reentry path it's obvious they won't risk a giant metal meteor come down in a major city.
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Originally Posted by Tuco  You know, when I think about it, I don't know if I'd really be that uncomfortable with my kids sleeping in a tent with a gay man. | |