Water has a relatively low viscosity – that is, it deforms fast under stress – and it has a density much lower than hard rock. These two qualities make it ideal for landing spacecraft. But the other main reason water works so well is because it covers 70% of the planet’s surface, so the chances of hitting it are high when you’re falling from space.
The science behind splashdown is complex, as a long history proves.
In 1961, the U.S. conducted the first crewed splashdowns in history. These used Mercury reentry capsules.
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