Could Jet Engines Be Used for Space Travel?

[DaveC426913]

I think you are talking about the Buzzard Ramjet.

I think I would very much like to see this Buzzard Ramjet.

 

[jbriggs444]

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."

 

[russ_watters]

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...?

 

[berkeman]

"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".

 

[rootone]

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.

 

[NTW]

Perhaps all the bird wanted was a jetstream hike...

 

[rbelli1]

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

 

[DaveC426913]

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.