What mode replaces aerodynamic lift reliance for sustained flight above the Kármán line?
Answer
Ballistic trajectories or orbital velocity reliance
As altitude increases and air density thins significantly, the ability of wings to generate sufficient lift to counteract gravity diminishes rapidly. Above the Kármán line, vehicles must transition away from lift-based flight. To remain aloft, they must instead achieve sufficient horizontal velocity—an orbital or ballistic trajectory—such that their inertia carries them around the planet rather than allowing them to fall directly back to the surface. This marks the shift from atmospheric aviation to spaceflight mechanics.
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