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Q:

If you fly on Earth, what do you do in space?

A:

Flight is defined as moving or travelling through the air. Since there is no air in space, we have to use other terms, such as 'floating', or simply 'moving'. 

 

However, the definition of flying extends to 'operating an aircraft or spacecraft', so you can still say 'the commander is flying the space ship', even if there is no air. 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on February 5, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Categories:
Flight Dynamics
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