It would leave the atmosphere briefly, then return, testing the effects of the extreme heat of re-entry.

VOA: special.2010.07.07

The radio silence, caused by the heat of re-entry, lasted for seven minutes.

VOA: special.2009.06.17

But what would happen during re-entry?

VOA: special.2009.06.24

Foam insulation damaged the shuttle's heat tiles during launch, which led to Columbia breaking apart upon re-entry.

VOA: standard.2009.07.16

The astronauts survived by rationing water and food while using the lunar lander as a lifeboat before returning to the command module for re-entry to Earth.

VOA: standard.2010.04.04