Which fuel is used for the Rocket?
VerifiedAnswer: Liquid Hydrogen + Liquid Oxygen (cryogenic fuel)
Explanation:
Modern rockets primarily use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as their fuel combination, which is known as cryogenic fuel. This powerful duo works together to create the tremendous thrust needed to propel rockets into space and overcome Earth's gravitational pull.
The term "cryogenic" refers to extremely low temperatures. Both liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen must be stored at incredibly cold temperatures to remain in their liquid state. Liquid hydrogen is stored at approximately -253°C, while liquid oxygen is kept at around -183°C. These ultra-cold conditions are necessary because both substances are gases at normal temperatures.
Here's how this fuel system works: Liquid hydrogen acts as the fuel, while liquid oxygen serves as the oxidizer. When these two components are mixed and ignited in the rocket's combustion chamber, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces water vapor and releases enormous amounts of energy. This reaction creates the high-pressure, high-temperature gases that are expelled through the rocket nozzle at tremendous speeds, generating the thrust that pushes the rocket forward.
The advantages of using cryogenic fuel include:
• High specific impulse (efficiency) - provides more thrust per unit of fuel weight • Clean burning - produces only water vapor as exhaust • Abundant availability - hydrogen and oxygen are readily available elements • Non-toxic - safer for the environment compared to other rocket fuels
Famous rockets that use this fuel combination include NASA's Space Shuttle main engines, the Delta IV Heavy, and India's GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) rockets. The European Space Agency's Ariane 5 and many other modern launch vehicles also rely on this proven fuel technology.
While other types of rocket fuels exist, such as solid propellants and hypergolic fuels, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen remain the preferred choice for most space missions due to their superior performance characteristics and environmental friendliness. This makes cryogenic fuel the gold standard for modern space exploration.
