Why do space shuttle rocket returning to the earth from outer space catch fire and explode?

Question

I've seen it in a lot in movies. Things that fall from outer space catch fire when they get near to the earth. Why is that?

Answer 1

The short simple answer is: air resistance. These have speeds of

over 10,000 MPH, and when they enter the Earth's upper atmosphere,

they experience frictional forces with the air molecules, which, in

turn, generates vast amounts of heat. In everyday life we don't usually

associate  friction with heat but remember the old Boy Scout (and

indigenous peoples') trick of rubbing two sticks together to make fire.

hawley