Why can't airplanes fly to space?
Mystery Science・6 minutes read
Virgin Galactic made history in December 2018 by flying the VSS Unity space plane to the edge of space using a rocket engine. Airplanes cannot fly to space due to the lack of air in the upper atmosphere, emphasizing the need for air to create lift and propulsion for flight.
Insights
- Airplanes rely on tilted wings to create lift by pushing air downwards, allowing them to carry heavy loads and fly efficiently even on windless days.
- The inability of airplanes to fly to space is attributed to the lack of air in the upper atmosphere, emphasizing the crucial role of air for propulsion and lift, underscoring the unique challenges posed by the vacuum of space for traditional aircraft.
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Recent questions
Why can't airplanes fly to space?
Airplanes cannot fly to space because there is a lack of air in the upper atmosphere. Even with powerful engines, airplanes need air to push against to generate lift. Without air, the engines are ineffective in creating the necessary lift for flight.
How do airplanes create lift?
Airplanes create lift by using tilted wings to push air downwards. This concept is similar to how a kite flies, with the wind hitting the wings at an angle to generate lift. Engines on the airplane then push it forward through the air, allowing it to stay airborne.
What was the significance of Virgin Galactic's flight in December 2018?
In December 2018, Virgin Galactic made history by flying the VSS Unity, a space plane, to the edge of space using a rocket engine. This achievement marked a milestone in commercial space travel, showcasing the potential for space tourism in the future.
How do airplanes lift heavy loads?
Airplanes are able to lift heavy loads by generating enough wind with their engines. Despite their weight, airplanes can lift massive loads as long as the engines create sufficient wind to generate lift. This was demonstrated by a Boeing 747 lifting an empty van, showcasing the power of airplane engines.
Why do airplanes need tilted wings to fly?
Airplanes need tilted wings to fly because the tilt allows wind to hit the wings at an angle, creating lift. Similar to how a kite flies, the tilted wings push air downwards, generating the necessary lift for the airplane to stay airborne. This design is essential for flight, especially on windless days.
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Summary
00:00
"Airplanes and Space: The Science of Flight"
- In December 2018, Virgin Galactic made history by flying the VSS Unity, a space plane, to the edge of space using a rocket engine.
- Jared questions why airplanes can't fly to space, prompting a discussion on how airplanes fly, involving the concept of tilted wings creating lift by pushing air downwards.
- The tilt of an airplane's wings, similar to a kite, allows wind to hit the wings, creating lift even on a windless day, with engines pushing the plane forward through the air.
- Despite their weight, airplanes can lift massive loads as long as the engines generate enough wind, as demonstrated by a Boeing 747 lifting an empty van.
- Airplanes cannot fly to space due to the lack of air in the upper atmosphere, rendering even powerful engines ineffective without air to push against, highlighting the necessity of pushing air downwards for flight.
