Can a f16 fly to space?

Even the most modern of fighter jets cannot fly into space. Part of the reason fighter jets can’t fly this high is their power source. Jet engines rely on air intake to function properly. Once you get above certain heights the air is too thin for jet engines to work efficiently so they end up shutting down.

Can an airplane just fly into space?

Planes can and have flown into space for over 50 years – though not the kind you see at the airport. That’s because conventional planes need air for both propulsion and lift, and space is essentially a vacuum.

Can a space shuttle take off like an airplane?

It absolutely can not take off like a normal plane. It would require LARGE engines to do that. It does have a fuel tank for the reentry rockets and maneuvering jets. However, those do not provide anything close to takeoff speeds.

Can a 747 carry a space shuttle?

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) are two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One is a 747–100 model, while the other is a short range 747-100SR.

How many space shuttles have flown?

The Shuttle launches like a rocket, maneuvers in Earth orbit like a spacecraft and lands like an airplane. Each of the three Space Shuttle orbiters now in operation — Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour — is designed to fly at least 100 missions. So far, altogether they have flown a combined total of less than one-fourth of that.

How much cargo can the Space Shuttle carry?

At the same time, because of weight reductions and other improvements, the cargo the Shuttle can carry has increased by 7.3 metric tons (8 tons.) In managing and operating the Space Shuttle, NASA holds the safety of the crew as its highest priority.

How do space shuttles work?

The Shuttle launches like a rocket, maneuvers in Earth orbit like a spacecraft and lands like an airplane. Each of the three Space Shuttle orbiters now in operation — Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour — is designed to fly at least 100 missions.

How high can the Space Shuttle go?

The Shuttle is designed to reach orbits ranging from about 185 kilometers to 643 kilometers (115 statute miles to 400 statute miles) high. The Shuttle has the most reliable launch record of any rocket now in operation. Since 1981, it has boosted more than 1.36 million kilograms (3 million pounds) of cargo into orbit.