Rocket Propulsion

Rocket propulsion refers to the method of propulsion that relies on the expulsion of mass at high velocity in order to generate thrust. This is primarily achieved through the reaction mass expelled by rocket engines, which produce force based on Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Rocket propulsion systems come in various forms, including chemical rockets, which use the combustion of fuel and oxidizer, and are characterized by the chemical reactions that take place within the engine. Other forms include electric propulsion, such as ion thrusters, which use electric energy to accelerate ions for thrust. Rocket propulsion is fundamental to space exploration, allowing spacecraft to overcome Earth’s gravitational pull and travel through space. Its applications include launching satellites, sending probes to other planets, and enabling human spaceflight. The efficiency and performance of rocket propulsion systems are often described using parameters like specific impulse, which measures the thrust produced per unit of propellant consumed over time.