PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383255
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1383255
Rocket engines are propulsion systems that are used in rockets to generate the thrust needed to overcome gravity and propel the rocket into space. They operate on the action-reaction principle, with the expulsion of high-speed exhaust gases in one direction producing a corresponding forward force on the rocket.
Rocket engines produce thrust by ejecting high-speed exhaust gases in only one direction. This is accomplished by igniting propellants in the combustion chamber, where the propellants mix and react, releasing large amounts of energy. The high-pressure gases are then accelerated through a nozzle, converting pressure energy into kinetic energy and producing high-speed exhaust gases and thrust.
Depending on the mission requirements, rocket engines can be designed with varying levels of thrust control. Throttling capabilities are available on some engines, allowing for the adjustment of thrust levels during flight. Others include gimballing or vectoring mechanisms that allow the rocket's attitude and trajectory to be controlled by redirecting the exhaust gases.
Liquid rocket engines are powered by liquid propellants, typically liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and liquid fuel such as liquid hydrogen (LH2) or kerosene. The propellants are stored separately in separate tanks before being mixed in the combustion chamber, where they ignite and produce thrust. Liquid rocket engines are more complex and require precise engineering, but they provide superior performance and control.