Page:The Path to the Stars, by K. E. Tsiolkovsky, English transl., AD0644808.pdf/430



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BEYOND THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

Experiments have begun with reaction-powered automobiles* and the same kind of airplanes. Accounts show that these experiment3 will not lead to a more perfect automobile or airplane, because use of explosives in automobile or airplane will appear uneconomical at those speeds which they can obtain in air. But these experiments have another extraordinarily important significance.

A react-

ion-powered automobile and airplane, built according to plans shown in my composition ("Space Rocket."

Practical Preparation), will train us to operate a rocket airplane

and to ascend higher and higher. At high altitudes it will be necessary to utilize a tightly closed cabin with sources of oxygen and absorbers of human secretions.

The heights will gradually be

beyond the limits of troposphere and we will attain vacuum, with practice and improvement of airplane.

Return descent to Earth will be produced by gliding.

These are the kind of rocket shots, Jumps into air, which can lead to flights outside the atmosphere.

he nnqrentWy means by this a satellite-ad-.carrier combination, as we know them today.
 * Translation Editor's Note: Tsiolkovskiy uses the Ruisian word "avtomobil'";

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