reentry

American  

[ree-en-tree] / riˈɛn tri /

Also re-entry,

noun

• reentries
  plural

1. an act of reentering.

2. the return from outer space into the earth's atmosphere of an earth-orbiting satellite, spacecraft, rocket, or the like.

3. Law. the retaking of possession under a right reserved in a prior conveyance.

4. Also called reentry card.  Bridge, Whist. a card that will win a trick enabling one to regain the lead previously lost, especially the lead from a particular hand.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• reentries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of reentry

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at re-, entry

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reentry reentries

Waiving such environmental protection requirements would allow approvals to be expedited "to launch rockets, reenter spacecraft, and operate launch and reentry sites," the FAA said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

Estelle, who’s long held permanent resident status in the U.S., is a veteran at navigating the reentry process when she returns from visiting relatives in her native France.

From Salon ● May 14, 2026

During reentry, the spacecraft traveled at nearly 35 times the speed of sound, relying on its thermal protection system to shield both the crew and vehicle.

From Science Daily ● May 4, 2026

By using a new reentry trajectory, Isaacman said that “no unexpected conditions were observed” in initial assessments.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2026

June 6, 1971: Soyuz 11 successfully clocks with Salyut 1, but the cosmonauts die during reentry from a pressure leak.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Launches and reentries of spacecraft can generate a lot of noise, alter wildlife habitats and have other impacts on the surrounding landscapes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Transportation officials on Tuesday disclosed a plan that would allow the Federal Aviation Administration to waive requirements under environmental laws and regulations as it permits commercial rocket sites, launches and spacecraft reentries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

What is clear is that this metallic pollution is set to accelerate in years to come as the numbers of rocket launches and atmospheric reentries continue to grow.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 26, 2023

According to the FAA, there were 45 space launches and reentries last year, a record, and that could rise to more than 70 this year.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 8, 2021

Sometimes I got inside it with Neil and Buzz and we practiced things like launches and reentries, where all three of us would be together.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins