– could the space shuttle just fly into space like a plane, rather than being propelled vertically by rockets?
In: 48
The shuttle, no.
However, this is a proposed method for getting to space called a spaceplane. A space plane would be equipped with engines that can work in an atmosphere like a airplane, and also in space, like a rocket.
The difficulty is that transition from atmosphere to space. An airplane needs air, both to run its engines, but also to glide on, which limits how high it can fly. Above that, it’s all about orbital mechanics and rockets.
Spaceplanes are hard to get right, because wings are heavy, and beyond the technical challenge of building hybrid engines, they’re also heavier than a simple rocket.
Another way to take advantage of the efficiency of airplanes is to attach a rocket to a plane, carry it up high and release it like a missile. This is called “air launch to orbit”. It doesn’t really see much use outside of some experimental vehicles.
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