Rocket Propulsion/Introduction to Rocket Propulsion

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Rocket propulsion of an object is achieved by the combustion of fuel (propellant) and an oxidiser, both of which are carried by the object. The explosive energy of combustion is vectored in a linear fashion away from the body. This vectored energy provides an opposing thrust to the body causing it to accelerate. It is similar to jet propulsion except that here, oxygen from the atmosphere is used as the oxidant for the fuel. Because rocket propulsion can generate far greater thrust and can operate in oxygen-free environments, it is currently the only method for getting an object (a rocket) from the Earth's surface and into space. To overcome the force of gravity, a rocket must be accelerated to a speed of at least 17,000 mph in order to achieve an orbital path.