rakettimoottorien

Rakettimoottorien, or rocket engines in English, are a type of engine that produces thrust by expelling a propellant at high speed. Unlike jet engines, which require ambient air, rocket engines carry both their fuel and oxidizer, allowing them to operate in a vacuum. This makes them essential for space travel. The fundamental principle behind rocket engines is Newton's third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The rapid expulsion of propellant in one direction creates a force that pushes the engine, and anything attached to it, in the opposite direction.

There are several main types of rocket engines. Liquid-propellant rocket engines use a liquid fuel and a liquid oxidizer that are pumped into a combustion chamber where they ignite and burn. Solid-propellant rocket engines, on the other hand, use a solid mixture of fuel and oxidizer that burns and produces hot gas. Once ignited, a solid rocket motor cannot typically be stopped or throttled. Hybrid rocket engines combine elements of both, typically using a solid fuel and a liquid or gaseous oxidizer.

The performance of a rocket engine is often measured by its specific impulse, which is a measure of its efficiency. Higher specific impulse means more thrust is generated per unit of propellant consumed. Rocket engines are crucial components of launch vehicles used to send satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts into orbit and beyond. They are also used in missiles and as auxiliary propulsion systems on some aircraft. The development of rocket engines has been a continuous process, with ongoing research into new propellants, engine designs, and materials to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance safety.