Originally posted by InterestedObserver
Why don't they burn up upon entering the earths atmosphere ?

If I remember correctly the object itself does not burn but the air around it becomes superheated. Friction with the atmosphere creates 'flames'
which are not the same as terrestrial fire or am I wrong? I wonder if anyone knows the answer to this.
In any case at 3:00-3:40 it seems the object is superheated and entering the atmosphere, then you can see puffs of black 'smoke'? Then it cuts to
the parachute opening.
[edit on 30-3-2008 by NewWorldOver]