Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Vorticity t1_j8y4s2f wrote

I'd argue that, if you are able to overcome gravity via buoyancy and/or aerodynamic lift, you are not yet in space. If you need to use orbital velocity to stay up, then you're in space. That probably still leaves some room for argument, but it would be a pretty narrow range of altitudes in which to argue.

32

audigex t1_j8zf4xg wrote

Yeah, it seems a simple enough test

“Can you replace the object with an inert rock of the same mass, and expect basically no significant difference in trajectory in the next 6 months?”

If yes, you’re in orbit and therefore space, otherwise your vehicle is relying on either lift or buoyancy and is therefore not in space

9