Why can’t fighter jets reach outer space just like normal spaceships do?
Spaceships carry both fuel and oxidizer with them, whereas jets carry fuel only and use the atmosphere to provide the oxidizer. As the jets fly higher up, the atmosphere get's thinner, meaning there is less oxygen available for combustion, which is how you push the plane or the rocket in the firs…
The Short Answer
Spaceships carry both fuel and oxidizer with them, whereas jets carry fuel only and use the atmosphere to provide the oxidizer. As the jets fly higher up, the atmosphere get's thinner, meaning there is less oxygen available for combustion, which is how you push the plane or the rocket in the first place. In addition, with the thinner atmosphere, it's harder to generate lift through aerodynamic forces, which makes it rather difficult to fly.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Atmosphere, carry, fuel
This explanation focuses on atmosphere, carry, fuel and spans 74 words across 3 sentences. The depth is typical for Space & Astronomy questions (category average: 68 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Spaceships carry both fuel and oxidizer with them, whereas jets carry fuel only and use the atmosphere to provide the ox” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #191 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 39%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why fighter jets reach outer space just like normal spaceships do?
Spaceships carry both fuel and oxidizer with them, whereas jets carry fuel only and use the atmosphere to provide the oxidizer. As the jets fly higher up, the atmosphere get's thinner, meaning there is less oxygen available for combustion, which is…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is an above-average answer at 74 words, ranked #191 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are atmosphere, carry, fuel.
What approach does this answer take to explain fighter jets reach outer space just like normal spaceships d?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 74 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.