Airplanes need air to generate lift, which keeps them in the sky. Since space lacks air, flying there isn’t possible for airplanes.
Commercial airlines don’t usually fly higher than 7.5 miles because the air is too thin to provide lift.
How Does An Airplane Fly?
If a plane flies too high, the air pressure drops too low to support the craft. An airplane’s wings rely on the Bernoulli principle, which means faster-moving air over the top reduces pressure more than the slower air beneath. This pressure difference creates lift, pushing the plane upward.
For this to work, there needs to be a significant difference in the speed of air flowing over and under the wings. The plane’s wings are tilted and shaped to control the air particles around them. This creates enough lift to counteract gravity and keep the plane airborne.
What Would Happen If An Airplane Flew In Space?
If an airplane tries to fly in space, it won’t get the fresh air its engines need, losing propulsion. Without air resistance or drag, it also can’t stay on its flight path. The plane would eventually stall and stop flying.
What Mode of Transportation is Used in Space?
A space shuttle, or Space Transportation System, is a reusable spacecraft launched vertically and landing like an airplane. It transports people and cargo to and from space. The shuttle has three main parts: the orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and the external fuel tank. It can transfer satellites and other devices to its outside cargo area for space use.