The flight tested the heat shield. The shield protected the spacecraft from the great heat produced when it returned through the Earth's atmosphere.

VOA: special.2009.06.10

But the intense heat of passing through the Earth's atmosphere likely damaged those molecules.

VOA: special.2011.06.22

Whether grown naturally or through technology, people who love orchids say they are the most beautiful flowers on Earth.

VOA: special.2010.04.06

He developed the theory of evolution that life on Earth developed through the process of natural selection.

VOA: special.2009.12.16

They said hot melted material flows up from deep inside the Earth through the split.

VOA: special.2010.01.12

As we approached the mountain, the hills and gulleys bore the appearance of having been created by some vast, fierce torrent rushing around the base of the peak, and tearing its way through the loose earth....

VOA: special.2010.04.26