Technical Space flight question

[earthangel]

I'm surprised everybody didn't already know these answers. I mean, we're talking space flight here! It's not exactly rocket science, is it?

[bykimbo]

Rocket engines do not require air to operate. Other types of engines such as those of jet planes.

Isn't it more accurate to say that they do require oxygen, but they take it with them? You couldn't get into space with a "normal" plane because of the lack of oxygen, so spacecraft have to take everything they need with them. Which is very heavy. So they need more fuel to get them into space. Which requires massive storage space. Which is very heavy. So they need more fuel...

And if that does your head in, just think about "orbit". Constantly falling back to earth, but earth's falling away at the same speed, so you appear to be in the same place... it's mind-boggling. I wish I'd had a better physics teacher at school, I never knew it was so interesting until too many years later.

[JudesNiceThings]

By 'eck!

We're a well erudite lot on here!! LOL