whats the distance between space and the earths surface? and can a space shuttle glide ?

Question

can a spcae shttule gilde from the end of the atmosphere to land, i.e from the moment it has entered atmosphere?

Answer 1

An altitude of 120 km (75 mi or 400,000 ft) marks the boundary where atmospheric effects become noticeable during re-entry. The Karman line, at 100 km (62 miles), is also frequently used as the boundary between atmosphere and outer space.

The space shuttle regularly flies above 100 km, so when it enters the atmosphere it can be thought of as gliding from that point. However, in order for the wings to work properly the atmosphere needs to be sufficiently dense to create lift, so it probably isn't truly gliding until it reaches around 85 km.

Answer 2

64000 km