MethaneLOX

MethaneLOX is a type of rocket propellant combination consisting of liquid methane (CH₄) as the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer. This combination has gained increasing interest in the aerospace industry due to its efficiency and potential for reusable spaceflight applications.

The use of methane offers several advantages over traditional rocket fuels such as kerosene or hydrogen. Methane is cleaner-burning, producing fewer carbon deposits that can clog engine components, and it can be produced on Mars or other celestial bodies through in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). This capability makes MethaneLOX an attractive option for future crewed missions to Mars, supporting the concept of refueling spacecraft on distant planets.

Liquid oxygen, a cryogenic oxidizer, is commonly used in many rocket engines due to its high specific impulse. When combined with methane, the resulting propulsion system can achieve high efficiency and performance. The combination also allows for higher combustion chamber pressures and temperatures, improving engine performance.

Several aerospace companies and organizations have developed engines and propulsion systems utilizing MethaneLOX. Notable among them is SpaceX, which is developing the Raptor engine designed to use methane and LOX, aiming for reusable Mars landers and rockets. Other projects include Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine and various mission concepts exploring methane-based propulsion.

While still under development and testing, MethaneLOX engines are considered promising candidates for next-generation space launch vehicles and interplanetary missions. Their combination of performance, reusability, and potential for resource production on other planets positions them as a key technology in future space exploration endeavors.