Misconceptions about Airplanes in Outer Space

Often assumed to function in the vast expanse of outer space, airplanes are, in fact, unable to operate beyond certain altitudes due to the lack of atmospheric conditions necessary for their typical propulsion and control systems. Misunderstandings about the abilities of aircraft during space travel are commonplace, leading to misconceptions about how and why they would or would not work in such an environment. This article aims to clarify these misconceptions and shed light on the mechanics and constraints of aircraft in space.

Why Airplanes Can't Go to Outer Space

The primary reason airplanes are unable to operate in outer space is the absence of atmospheric air, which is crucial for the functioning of air-breathing engines and control surfaces. Airplanes rely on the density and composition of the atmosphere to function properly. The engines of modern aircraft, such as four-stroke engines with turbocharging, supercharging, turbojets, turboprops, or jet engines, all depend on the intake of air for combustion and the operation of their rotating and control systems.

Principles of Aircraft Engines vs. Rocket Engines

A study of the differences in engine types shows that airplane engines, like turbojets or jet engines, operate on fundamentally different principles from rocket engines. Turbojet and jet engines are designed to work within the atmosphere by taking in air and using it in the combustion process. These engines are optimized to utilize the atmospheric pressure and chemical composition to generate thrust. In contrast, rocket engines do not rely on atmospheric oxygen. Instead, rockets carry their own oxidizer, such as liquid hydrogen, ensuring that they can function in the vacuum of space where there is no air to support combustion.

The engines of rockets, like those used in the Space Shuttle, are designed to function independent of atmospheric conditions. This is why rockets are capable of achieving the necessary velocity and altitude to enter space. The Space Shuttle's engines, known as the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME), function with the same principles as rocket engines, allowing it to operate in the vacuum of space without needing to intake air. This is why the Space Shuttle had wings, but they were only useful when re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, where aerodynamic forces come into play.

The Role of Wings in Space Travel

Another common misconception is the purpose of wings in space travel. Wings are essential for aircraft in Earth's atmosphere due to their role in creating lift and controlling the aircraft's flight dynamics. However, once an aircraft leaves the atmosphere, wings become redundant and serve no practical purpose. The space shuttle's wings were designed to be used only during the re-entry phase when the spacecraft encounters the dense atmosphere again. Once in space, the wings would not contribute to the flight dynamics in any meaningful way and would only add unnecessary weight.

Engineering Considerations for Space Travel

Engineering teams have explored various concepts to incorporate jet engines into spacecraft, but these ideas have been largely dismissed due to their inefficiency and impracticality. Adding jet engines would greatly increase the spacecraft's weight and reduce its payload capacity. Although jet engines offer some advantages in certain atmospheric conditions, they are not suitable for space travel. The additional weight from such engines would be counterproductive, as space travel requires the least mass possible for efficient use of fuel.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanics of aircraft and rocket engines is crucial for grasping the limitations and realities of space travel. Airplanes are not designed to operate in outer space due to the lack of atmospheric conditions necessary for their engines and control systems to function. Rocket engines, with their ability to operate independently of atmospheric conditions, are the key to space travel. Misconceptions about the use of wings and jet engines in space travel are based on a misunderstanding of the principles that govern aircraft and rocket propulsion systems.