2007-06-26 04:28:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There is no such thing as a "atmosphere barrier", the air simply gets thinner and thinner as one goes up.
By airplane, I presume you mean a flying contraption that relies on outside air for combustion of its fuel. And this is where is gets delicate.
If an airplane gets enough speed while still in the area where there is enough air density to make the engine go, and can ballistically escape, you pretty much have your answer: yes.
Transatmospheric scramjet powered are currently being investigated as an alternate way of reaching orbit (note that, to properly inject into orbit, a bit of a burn is needed completely outside of the atmosphere, so a small rocket is still needed to really reach orbit).
This requires flying at 25 times the speed of sound, which is a BIG order. So, that calls for a totally new type of plane, not one that is presently in service.
2007-06-26 04:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. A jet powered craft requires air to fly, both to generate lift and to provide oxygen to burn the fuel. The higher it goes the less air there is, hence it soon loses the ability to generate lift and to burn its fuel, ergo it can no longer fly. It would fail well below the point at which space is generally considered to start.
A rocket carries everything it needs to fly, and can therefore do so whether air is present around it or not.
2007-06-26 11:36:44 · answer #2 · answered by Jason T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no.
an airplane (including a jet) requires air to fly. The principle is based on bernouilli's effect which is the velocity of air is indirectly proportional to the pressure drop. ie. a curved wing causes air to flow faster above the wing which causes a lower pressure above the wing and "lift". no air means no lift. Also, all aircraft fuels (excluding solid rocket fuels) require an external oxygen source to burn. no air = no fuel burning. etc..
2007-06-26 11:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by Dr W 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, it is simply because like the other guys said that an aircraft needs AIR! thats why its called air craft and not a SPACEship or rocket as you said. also, they cant go fast enough to get out of the atmosphere, a rocket goes around 24,000 mph so that it can get out.
2007-06-26 11:42:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, only rocket and shuttles can leave the atmosphere.
However, many jets can break the SOUND bareier(think blue angles)
2007-06-26 11:38:55 · answer #5 · answered by Crazygirl ♥ aka GT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think you are confusing ORBITAL VELOCITY with the SOUND BARRIER.
generally a rocket or rocket powered airplane is required to achieve the speeds required to get into space.
the space shuttle IS a rocket powered plane, although the wings are only used for the landing phase of the trip.
2007-06-26 11:35:29 · answer #6 · answered by disco legend zeke 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, independant companies do this. A few years ago a company won the 10 million dollar X-Prize for reaching that height!
2007-06-26 11:38:23 · answer #7 · answered by sweetdizzle21 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋