Fragmentation of a small celestial body entering the atmosphere of a planet

The interaction of a small celestial body passing through the atmosphere of a planet is considered. Equations of aerodynamic deceleration of the body and condition of its fragmentation are obtained. It is shown that the fragmentation is a multistep process with steps separated in space and time. The model developed allows one to estimate the number of steps in fragmentation of the body, the number of fragments, their dimensions, parameters of motion, coordinates, and energy release into the atmosphere. The model is illustrated using the examples of interaction of a small celestial body and Comet Schoemaker–Levy 9 with the Earth's and Jupiter's atmospheres, respectively.