0
What happens when a rocket ship accelerating in outer space runs out of fuel?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Unless a projectile is launched at escape velocity, it cannot leave the earth's gravitational pull. For Earth this means the initial velocity must be about 11.2 km/s (ignoring drag and the launch location and direction relative to the planet's rotation). A projectile is something launched from a slingshot, bow, cannon, rifle, arm, etc... An object with its own propulsion, such as a rocket, is not subject to earth's 11.2 km/s escape velocity. A rocket can leave the earth at a much slower "speed" by simply overcoming the force of gravity at the location and moment of its climb. If you had a ladder tall enough (and a ridiculous supply chain) you could very slowly climb away from the earth under your own power. There is no set or calculable speed for a rocket, or any self-propelled object to "escape" the earth's gravity. So, your question, if changed from rocket to unpowered projectile, could be answered as follows: it will fall back toward earth (as satellites do in orbit). Or, if your question is unchanged, the answer is this: it will continue to move up and away from earth at any velocity it has so long as it maintains a thrust sufficient to overcome the diminishing gravitational attraction between it and the earth--eventually escaping our planet. But remember, earth's attraction is not the only gravitational pull out there!
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
If a rocket ship running out of fuel in outer space is still accelerating, it will gradually slow down and eventually come to a stop. Without fuel to provide thrust, the rocket will continue to move in a straight line at a constant velocity due to inertia.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt uses large engines and a huge amount of fuel to accelerate the rocket away from earth. The fuel burn pushes out huge amounts of gas, forced out in the opposite direction to the rockets direction of travel.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIt continues on at its terminal velocity forever unless it hits something.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThen it will escape Earth's gravitational field, and go farther and farther away.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is the outer shell of a rocket called?
The outer shell of a rocket is called the rocket's body or fuselage. It is designed to protect the rocket's internal components and payload from the harsh environment of space.
Is the moon located in outer space?
That depends on what you mean by "outer space". The moon is outside the Earth's atmosphere and therfore "in space" but it is orbiting the Earth and therfore hardly "outer".
When was They Came from Outer Space created?
They Came from Outer Space was created on 1990-10-01.
When was Flying Saucers from Outer Space created?
Flying Saucers from Outer Space was created in 1953.
How does the first and third law of motion apply to a rocket launching?
1st. The rocket sets still until a force, burning fuel, causes a change in motion. 2nd. F=ma The force of the burning fuel causes an acceleration of the rocket. 3rd. Action/reaction. The action of hot burning gases leaving the rocket causes a reaction, which is the motion of the rocket in the opposite direction. Note: The exhaust does not need to hit the ground to cause the reaction. A rocket engine ignited in outer space will cause a change in the motion of the rocket.
What are space rockets?
That refers to a rocket that goes into outer space - or that is used to drive something into outer space.
What is ballon rocket Aim?
The balloon rocket main aim is to test the force of gravity in the outer space. The main aim of the balloon rocket is to investigate all forces that affect the earth and the outer space.
What is the outer shell of a rocket called?
The outer shell of a rocket is called the rocket's body or fuselage. It is designed to protect the rocket's internal components and payload from the harsh environment of space.
When was the first rocket sent to outer space?
Sputnik
What does a human need to get to outer space?
You, simply, you need a spacesuit and a air tank and a space rocket to get to space
Can you go back outer space in astro knights?
Yes, with the rocket.
How long will it take a rocket to get into outer space from the earth surface?
It typically takes a rocket about 8-10 minutes to reach outer space from the Earth's surface. The exact time can vary depending on the design of the rocket and the specific trajectory it follows.
What happens to the temperature as you go towards outer space?
it gets cooler when you get closer to outer space
Are rocket fins necessary in outer-space?
No, rocket fins are not necessary in outer space. Once a rocket reaches space, it no longer requires fins for stabilization or control as there is no air resistance to affect its trajectory. Rockets use thrusters or reaction control systems to maneuver in space.
What are the release dates for Rod Brown of the Rocket Rangers - 1953 Stranger from Outer Space 1-11?
Rod Brown of the Rocket Rangers - 1953 Stranger from Outer Space 1-11 was released on: USA: 27 June 1953
How does it take from Earth to outer space?
Outer space is defined to start at about 100 km above Earth's surface; a rocket taking off can probably do that in a few minutes.
What mechanism could have propelled it into Outer Space?
A rocket propulsion system uses the principle of Newton's third law of motion to propel objects into outer space. By expelling high-speed exhaust gases in one direction, the rocket experiences an equal and opposite force in the opposite direction, pushing it upwards and potentially into outer space.
