Could flying insects re-enter the Earth's atmosphere from space without burning up?

Huge numbers of genetically modified flying insects (purpose not disclosed here but it relates to affecting the whole of humanity) are to be dropped into the Earth's atmosphere from space so that they spread far and wide.

The insects are not in any kind of container whilst falling. Once dropped, they have to make their way to Earth individually without any protection or assistance.

Question

Could any flying Earth insects survive re-entry from space without burning up?

Notes

By 'space' I mean anywhere that a satellite could sustain Earth orbit for at least a week.

You may assume a method of release that you calculate would give the insects the best chance of survival. However they must re-enter the atmosphere individually.

The 'drop' can be made at zero velocity relative to the atmosphere.

Midges can fly and so can large beetles (see below).

Please assume that the insects can survive a hard vacuum for 15 minutes (They can survive a partial vacuum see below).

Video of Hercules beetle - https://youtu.be/OyuAt-_Nj_o?t=2

It is known that ordinary houseflies can survive a vacuum and recover.

Video of housefly being subjected to a vacuum chamber and finally being released

https://youtu.be/tA9jcIwvge0?t=57

posted almost 6 years ago

chasly from UK‭

4 reputation 69 0 0 0