Why helicopters and planes can’t get out of the earth?
They need to push down on the air to keep flying. In space, there's no air to push down on. Eventually, the air becomes so thin that you can't push enough of it down to keep yourself up.
The Short Answer
They need to push down on the air to keep flying. In space, there's no air to push down on. Eventually, the air becomes so thin that you can't push enough of it down to keep yourself up. You can swim in water, because it's dense, and you can push water down and pull yourself up as a result. Now try swimming in air. Not as easy, eh? Not enough air to push down so you can 'swim' in it. It's the same thing for planes and helicopters, it's just that since they can already fly in air, their critical point happens when air is a lot thinner.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Push, down, it's
This explanation focuses on push, down, it's and spans 108 words across 8 sentences. At 59% above the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “They need to push down on the air to keep flying.” It then elaborates by explaining the root cause, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #96 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 20%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why helicopters and planes can't get out of the earth?
They need to push down on the air to keep flying. In space, there's no air to push down on. Eventually, the air becomes so thin that you can't push enough of it down to keep yourself up. You can swim in water, because it's dense, and you can push…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 108 words, ranked #96 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are push, down, it's.
What approach does this answer take to explain why helicopters and planes can't get out of the earth?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 108 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.