The moon will have gone (atmospheric drag will cause it to crash into the earth).

ECONOMIST: To the ends of the earth

Ballistic missiles are guided during powered flight and then release their payloads, which are then subject only to gravity and atmospheric drag.

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Once the Roton has been slowed sufficiently by atmospheric drag, however, the pilot will change the blade-angles so that the blades are set spinning by the airflow, slowing the craft still further. (This technique, called auto-rotation, is used by helicopter pilots in emergency landings.) Small thrusters on the side of the Roton will stabilise it, so that it can be steered towards its landing site.

ECONOMIST: On a rotor-blade and a prayer | The

For the full-on Tudor inn experience, opt for the Shakespeare Hotel 15 in an atmospheric timbered building on Stratford's main drag.

BBC: Mini guide to Stratford-upon-Avon, England