I. What is a Combustion Chamber? A combustion chamber is a crucial component in any combustion engine, including rocket engines. It is where the fuel and oxidizer are mixed and burned to produce high-pressure, high-temperature gases that propel the rocket forward. The combustion chamber is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures while efficiently converting … Read more
I. What is a Liquid Air Cycle Engine (LACE)? A Liquid Air Cycle Engine (LACE) is a type of propulsion system that uses liquid air as its working fluid. This innovative technology harnesses the power of liquid air, which is essentially compressed air that has been cooled to extremely low temperatures, to generate thrust and … Read more
I. What is Propellant? Propellant is a substance used to propel an object forward. In the context of rocketry, propellant is the fuel and oxidizer combination that generates the thrust needed to launch a rocket into space. Without propellant, rockets would not be able to overcome Earth’s gravity and reach the speeds necessary to escape … Read more
I. What are Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters? Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) are large rocket motors that provide the initial thrust needed to launch a spacecraft into orbit. They are an integral part of the Space Shuttle system developed by NASA in the 1970s and used for over 30 years to carry astronauts … Read more
I. What is Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Hydrogen (LOX/LH2)? Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) are two of the most commonly used propellants in rocket propulsion systems. LOX is a pale blue, cryogenic liquid with a boiling point of -183 degrees Celsius, while LH2 is a colorless, cryogenic liquid with a boiling point of -253 degrees … Read more
I. What is Retrofire? Retrofire is a term used in rocketry to describe the process of firing a rocket engine in the opposite direction of the vehicle’s motion in order to slow down or change its trajectory. This maneuver is commonly used in space exploration missions to safely re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere or to adjust … Read more
I. What is a Hybrid Rocket Engine? A hybrid rocket engine is a type of rocket propulsion system that uses a combination of liquid and solid propellants. Unlike traditional rocket engines that use either liquid or solid propellants exclusively, hybrid rocket engines combine the best of both worlds to create a more efficient and reliable … Read more
I. What is Launch Azimuth? Launch azimuth refers to the direction in which a rocket is launched from a launch site. It is measured in degrees clockwise from true north and is a crucial factor in determining the trajectory of the rocket. Launch azimuth plays a significant role in ensuring that the rocket reaches its … Read more
I. What is Catastrophic Oxidizer Failure? Catastrophic oxidizer failure is a serious issue that can occur in rocketry and propulsion systems. It refers to the sudden and unexpected release or ignition of the oxidizer used in the propulsion system, leading to a potentially dangerous and destructive situation. This type of failure can result in explosions, … Read more
I. What is an Expander Cycle? An expander cycle is a type of rocket engine cycle that is used to power spacecraft and launch vehicles. It is known for its efficiency and simplicity compared to other propulsion systems. The expander cycle works by utilizing the waste heat from the combustion process to drive a turbine, … Read more