Difference between revisions of "Atmosphere"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | An atmosphere is the nasty sticky bit around a sufficiently large planet. From an Orbiter pilot's point of view, there are basically three sorts: | + | An '''atmosphere''' is the nasty sticky bit around a sufficiently large planet. From an Orbiter pilot's point of view, there are basically three sorts: |
* Thin enough to give little aerodynamic benefit, thick enough that you can't just ignore them. Example: [[Mars]] | * Thin enough to give little aerodynamic benefit, thick enough that you can't just ignore them. Example: [[Mars]] | ||
Revision as of 23:39, 31 March 2006
An atmosphere is the nasty sticky bit around a sufficiently large planet. From an Orbiter pilot's point of view, there are basically three sorts:
- Thin enough to give little aerodynamic benefit, thick enough that you can't just ignore them. Example: Mars
- Thick enough to be useful aerodynamically; re-entry needs some care, but with sufficient preparation no fuel need be expended after the deorbit burn if a runway is available for landing. Example: Earth, Titan
- Thick enough to impair vehicle thrust if the complex flight model is enabled. Example: Venus