From Rocket Propulsion to Reusable Launch Systems
Reaching space is one of humanity's greatest engineering challenges. A rocket must carry not only its payload but also the enormous amount of propellant required to accelerate that payload to orbital velocity. This makes every kilogram extremely important. So, how does a rocket actually move? Unlike an airplane, a rocket does not need air to push against. It carries both its fuel and oxidizer. Inside the engine, the propellants react and produce high-pressure gases, which are expelled through a nozzle at very high speed. The exhaust moves backward, while the rocket moves forward, demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion. Rocket engines can use solid, liquid or hybrid propellants. Liquid engines are particularly useful for launch vehicles because they can provide precise control and, depending on their design, can be throttled or restarted. But producing thrust is only part of the challenge. A rocket must also reach the enormous velocity required to remain in orbit. This is wh...