B Could Jet Engines Be Used for Space Travel?

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Jet engines cannot be used for space travel due to the lack of sufficient atmospheric density at high altitudes, particularly above 70 miles, where combustion cannot be sustained. While some thrust could theoretically be produced in low Earth orbit, the extremely thin atmosphere makes it impractical for jet engines, which rely on air intake for propulsion. Alternatives like electrically or mechanically powered engines are discussed, but they do not fit the conventional definition of a jet engine. Ion engines, which do not require atmospheric oxygen, are more suitable for space, although they still require onboard fuel. Ultimately, the consensus is that traditional jet engines are not feasible for space travel due to the unique challenges of operating in near-vacuum conditions.
  • #31
BoeingJet said:
I think you are talking about the Buzzard Ramjet.
I think I would very much like to see this Buzzard Ramjet.
:woot:
 
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  • #32
DaveC426913 said:
I think I would very much like to see this Buzzard Ramjet.
Buzzard rams jet?
"An aircraft over the Ivory Coast collided with a Rüppell's vulture at the altitude of 11,300 m (37,100 ft), the current record avian height."
 
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  • #33
jbriggs444 said:
Buzzard rams jet?
"An aircraft over the Ivory Coast collided with a Rüppell's vulture at the altitude of 11,300 m (37,100 ft), the current record avian height."
Holy cow, that's high! And what did he win for his effort...?
 
  • #34
jbriggs444 said:
"An aircraft over the Ivory Coast collided with a Rüppell's vulture at the altitude of 11,300 m (37,100 ft), the current record avian height."
No way. That unlucky bird was sleeping in the intake when the jet was launched. It hung on as long as possible at the intake, but passed out at altitude and got the record for the highest bird "hit". o0)
 
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  • #35
Can't help but wonder what kind of natural selection pressure leads to birds capable of existing at that extreme altitude.
Well above the highest mountains and no food there.
Can get a really long distance glide from that height maybe?

Edit:
Berkeman's explanation noted.
 
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  • #36
Perhaps all the bird wanted was a jetstream hike...
 
  • #37
DaveC426913 said:
its orbit doesn't decay in a matter of mere hours?

The enterprise typically is not in orbit (contrary to what Kirk et al. say) but simply hovering using its impulse engines. Which are reaction-less drives thus nonsense (pending NASA investigation) and not relevant to scientific discussion.

BoB
 
  • #38
rbelli1 said:
The enterprise typically is not in orbit (contrary to what Kirk et al. say) but simply hovering using its impulse engines.
Yeah. No one's ever provided a satisfactory explanation.

Not having discovered orbital velocity in the 23rd centry is about as silly as any other explanation.
 

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