Post by spirit on Dec 31, 2005 4:03:56 GMT -4
kiwi said:
margamatix said:
When the module descended, braking by firing its rockets, what did the thrust from these rockets react against, if there is no atmosphere?margamatix said:
Only in an atmosphere. There needs to be something against which the thrust can act. Otherwise it would simply dissipate without any braking effect. That's how rockets work.It is amazing that someone who considers himself expert enough to criticise the Apollo missions and claim they were faked should make such an amusing error when the correct information is so freely available. Perhaps this explains why Margamatix thinks the lunar module couldn't have landed on and taken off from the moon -- it didn't have wings.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1970, Volume 19, page 418, "Fundamental Principles of Rocket Propulsion":
The thrust does not result, as sometimes erroneously presumed, from the jet pushing against the surrounding air.
Collins Concise Encyclopedia, 1977, page 482:
rocket, projectile driven by its reaction to stream of hot gases it produces by burning propellant. By carrying its own source of oxygen, it operates independently of Earth's atmosphere and can be used in outer space. Propellants used incl. liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
Hutchinson Softback Encylopedia, 1991, page 710:
rocket projectile driven by the reaction of gases produced by a fast-burning fuel. Unlike the jet engine, which is also a reaction engine, the rocket carries its own oxygen supply to burn its fuel and is totally independent of any surrounding atmosphere. As rockets are the only form of propulsion available which can function in a vacuum, they are essential to the exploration of outer space.
Margematrix was banned.