When NASA’s Orion spacecraft reaches the end of its mission, it will hurtle into Earth’s atmosphere at 24,529 miles per hour. Then, with a special maneuver designed to split up the entry force for a smoother ride — as well as help it reach a desirable landing site at sea — the capsule will ascend a bit. And much like a rock skipping atop a lake, the spacecraft will slow down its momentum following its record-breaking 25.5-day Moon voyage.
