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When the space shuttle is ready to return to Earth, it slows itself down using thrusters (like using the breaks) which will bring it out of orbit and let the earth begin to pull it back down. Shuttle pilots angle the nose at Earth and burn off the rest of their fuel so that it won't explode during re-entry. When it enters the atmosphere, it glides in like a plane, and will go in for an easy landing. Space shuttles even use a parachute to help slow them down!