The question of whether space shuttles have truly reached space is one that has intrigued many space enthusiasts and skeptics alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the definition of space, the criteria that define when a spacecraft has reached it, and how space shuttles have fared in this regard.
What is Space?
To understand whether space shuttles have reached space, we must first define what we mean by “space.” According to the most widely accepted definition, space begins just beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. The Kármán line, which is commonly recognized as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, is located at an altitude of about 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level.
The Kármán Line
The Kármán line was named after Theodor von Kármán, a Hungarian-American engineer and physicist who conducted calculations in the 1920s. His research suggested that at an altitude of 100 kilometers, the aerodynamic forces on a spacecraft become negligible, effectively making it travel through a vacuum similar to that of outer space.
Space Shuttle Missions
Space shuttles, such as the NASA Space Shuttles, were designed to carry astronauts and payloads into space and back to Earth. To determine whether they reached space, we can look at the altitudes they achieved during their missions.
During the Space Shuttle program, the shuttles were launched from Earth’s surface and reached altitudes well above the Kármán line. For example, the Space Shuttle Discovery, which flew 39 missions, reached an average altitude of approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) above Earth’s surface during its flights. This is well above the Kármán line and indicates that the shuttle had indeed reached space.
Scientific and Astronautical Confirmation
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) defines space as the region beyond Earth’s atmosphere, where spacecraft are subject to microgravity and space radiation. Given that space shuttles were subject to these conditions during their missions, the scientific and astronautical communities widely recognize that they had reached space.
Public Perception and Misconceptions
Despite the overwhelming evidence that space shuttles reached space, there is still some public skepticism. This skepticism often stems from a misunderstanding of the definition of space and the criteria used to determine when a spacecraft has entered it. Additionally, some may argue that since space shuttles were reusable and landed back on Earth, they never truly entered space.
However, this perspective overlooks the fact that the space shuttle missions were designed to carry out scientific research, deploy satellites, and construct the International Space Station (ISS), among other objectives. The fact that they could return to Earth after reaching space was a testament to their remarkable engineering and design, not a sign that they never reached it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the accepted definition of space and the criteria used to determine when a spacecraft has reached it, it is clear that space shuttles, such as the NASA Space Shuttles, have indeed reached space. The altitudes they achieved, the conditions they experienced, and the recognition from the scientific and astronautical communities all support this assertion.