Is it true that propeller planes can't fly in space? Is there truth to the rumor that 10mi.earth=1000mispace?

Question

I don't understand why propeller planes aren't flown in space? Is there truth that it is harder to navigate in space than on earth and why? I think I heard on the news one time that like, if you're 10mi. off target on earth, thats equivalent to like 1000 mi. off target in space?

Answer 1

Prop planes use spinning propellers for propulsion. These propeller blades are like miniature wings. They cut through the air creating a forward force for the plane. Since there is no air in space, propellers would not be able to provide propulsion.

"Flying" in space is much different than in the atmosphere of Earth. Aircraft use large airfoils that we usually call wings to create lift and stay in the air. Air also creates friction, which tries to slow the plane down. As such, we need to provide a constant thrust to overcome this friction in order to continue moving. In space, there is no air to provide friction. Once you're moving, you don't need to provide any more thrust to keep moving at that speed. Maneuvering in space is much different because of this principle.

The 10mi vs 1000mi thing is not exactly true the way you describe it. I'm guessing where you got that is from hearing about trajectories in space. A small change in velocity early in a flight in space can affect where you'll be later in the flight by a very large amount.

Answer 2

Propellers work by blowing air across the specially shaped wings of airplanes. The shape causes more turbulant air to form on top of the wing, creating a lower air pressure above, and a higher air pressure below. The result of this is lift. There is no air in space.

Navigating in space is more difficult because they can not take advantage of air flowing over flaps or fins to change direction, they need to use thrusters.

As far as being off target different distances, it depends on what point you are starting from (point A) and the destination (point B), and how far of target you started out. If you are planning on traveling from A to B in a straight line and you started on a path that angled away from B even slightly, at the beginning you may only be a few miles off course, but the further you tavel along that incorrect vector, the further off course you will be.

Answer 3

Planes are designed to fly in an atmosphere. So we need all sorts of physics to achieve this. Airfoil dynamics, lift propulsion. Its complicated. In space none of these physics apply because there is no atmosphere. It's a vacuum.The only reason our rockets are shaped the way they are is to cope with the 100 odd km of atmosphere. In space a square shape will travel just as competently as a needle shaped object. Space navigation is by far more complicated than earth navigation. earth has north south etc. No such thing in space Earth navigation is two dimensional pace is three dimensional and depending on circumstances 4 dimensions when time becomes a factor.

Answer 4

It is true that propeller planes can't fly in space.A propeller plane uses its propeller to provide a thrust to lift the plane into the air.When there is lesser air,there would be lesser thrust for the plane.In total vaccum,there would be no thrust and thus the plane cannot move.Rockets can be used as they do not require air to provide thrust.

Answer 5

Planes need air to fly, but thres no air in space. And I think you're talking about angular distance, so it'll vary depending on how far you are from the point of rotation.

Answer 6

Err... Houston, we got a problem of no go no go situation. Repeat abort mission returning home. Chief, Fire up that engine before we got ourselves busted, do u understand? Aye Sir.

Answer 7

Props push air. No air in space. So no go.