Ask an Explainer

Q:

What is the difference between flying a spaceship and an ordinary aircraft?

A:

Aircraft can only fly in Earth's atmosphere, and spaceships can only fly in space. This means that pilots need to be ready for some very different problems.

A pilot of a jet needs to be able to know everything about the air around the aircraft. It's all about aerodynamics and air pressure: creating lift, avoiding drag.

 

The pilot of a spaceship needs to worry about his attitude. No, not that attitude! Attitude means your direction in space. To change their attitude, pilots need to change their speed, for example, slowing down to get lower in orbit. To change which way your are pointing, you need rotation wheels and thrusters

 

The flight techniques are very different and quite difficult! Pilots train for years so they can fly safe. 

Ask an Explainer
Categories: