What Happens if a Plane Flies into Space?

A plane attempting to fly into space would fail due to the lack of air necessary for its engines to function.

Airplane engines, as explained in multiple sources, rely on air for combustion. Without sufficient air, the combustion process ceases, leading to engine failure. Space, being virtually airless, renders this impossible. [Reference: "Airplane engines also rely on air in order to generate combustion. Without enough fresh air, that combustion ceases, and the engines die."]

Altitude Limitations and Aerodynamic Effects

Even if an airplane could somehow overcome the engine issue, it would encounter severe aerodynamic limitations at higher altitudes. As altitude increases, air density decreases significantly. This reduction in air density diminishes lift, making it increasingly difficult for the plane to maintain altitude. At the fringes of space, the extremely thin atmosphere would virtually eliminate lift altogether. [Reference: "The airplane suffers aerodynamic loss and flame out, drifts for a bit, falls back to Earth due to gravity."] The plane would lose control and plummet back towards Earth.

Practical Implications and Examples

There is a clear distinction between airplanes and spacecraft designed for space travel. Airplanes are built for atmospheric flight, relying on air for lift and propulsion. Spacecraft, on the other hand, are designed for space environments, using rocket engines that do not require atmospheric oxygen. This is why attempts to reach space using conventional airplanes are fundamentally infeasible. [Reference: "There are planes we can use to get into space, these are rocket planes..."]

• Example: A U-2 spy plane can reach exceptionally high altitudes (above 70,000 ft), but this is still far from the edge of space and relies on specialized design considerations. It doesn't negate the fundamental requirements of air for its engines and aerodynamic lift. [Reference: "A U-2 can regularly fly above 70,000 ft MSL because of their "space" capabilities."]

• Gravity's Influence: Regardless of the direction of flight (straight up or otherwise), gravity will inevitably pull the plane back to Earth. [Reference: "If you fly straight up, you will eventually come straight down. Gravity is still gravity."]

Conclusion

In summary, a conventional airplane cannot fly into space because the engines require air for combustion, and the extremely thin atmosphere at high altitudes prevents sustained flight. The plane would experience engine failure and loss of lift, leading to a descent back to Earth.