XPost: sci.space.shuttle   
   From: dietz@dls.net   
      
   khatcat@hotmail.com wrote:   
      
   > I think I understand why objects heat up when going through the   
   > atmosphere and therefore why re-entry vehicles need heat shielding.  My   
   > question is why we don't need heat shielding when launching.  Aren't we   
   > going through the same atmosphere?   
      
   Yes, but not nearly as fast.  A launcher does most of its acceleration   
   after it has risen above the atmosphere.   
      
   	Paul   
      
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