egyfokozatúság

Egyfokozatúság refers to a single-stage rocket design. In this configuration, the entire propulsion system, including the engine and fuel, is housed within a single, undivided unit. This contrasts with multi-stage rockets, which shed spent sections as they ascend.

The primary advantage of a single-stage rocket is its simplicity. It has fewer components to fail, potentially increasing reliability. It also avoids the complex staging mechanisms and the dead weight of discarded sections, which can be a disadvantage for multi-stage designs. However, achieving orbital velocity with a single stage requires a high degree of efficiency and a significant fuel-to-structure mass ratio. This often means that single-stage rockets are more difficult to design for high-performance missions, especially those requiring substantial payload delivery to orbit.

Historically, many early rocket designs, particularly those for suborbital flights or smaller payloads, were single-stage. While multi-stage rockets have dominated space exploration due to their superior performance for reaching orbit and beyond, research and development continue into advanced single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) concepts, often exploring new materials and more efficient propulsion systems. The economic and operational benefits of a simplified, reusable single-stage vehicle remain an attractive, albeit challenging, goal.