Liquid propellants provide greater propulsive thrust and power, but require more complex technology and extra weight. Solid fuel is dense and burns quite quickly, generating thrust over a short time.

The new test proved the capability of a new propellant that will enhance the rocket's performance, making a sample return mission from Mars increasingly viable.

The solid propellant, infused with fuel and oxidizer, can whip up a lot of thrust in a hurry. “Even though solids have lower ISP per pound, you can pack a lot of impulse into that volume because ...

A propellant is the combination of fuel and oxidizer. It is the chemical mixture that is burned to provide propulsion. The three most common rocket propellants are liquid (hypergolic), liquid (non ...

Solid-propellant systems are therefore more road-mobile and require considerably less preparation than their liquid-propellant counterparts prior to launch, making them less predisposed to ...

"It is considered a green propellant, producing essentially hydrogen gas and aluminum oxide," Pourpoint said. "In contrast, each space shuttle flight consumes about 773 tons of the oxidizer ammonium ...

A propellant is the combination of fuel and oxidizer. It is the chemical mixture that is burned to provide propulsion. The three most common rocket propellants are liquid (hypergolic), liquid (non ...

Also, because the system uses solid materials, it cannot leak, has no pressurized gases and has no moving parts like a liquid system. Besides being able to power CubeSats and thus greatly increase ...

Liquid propellants provide greater propulsive thrust and power, but require more complex technology and extra weight. Solid fuel is dense and burns quite quickly, generating thrust over a short time.

Solid fuel dates back to fireworks developed by the Chinese centuries ago, but made dramatic progress in the mid-20th century, when the U.S. developed more powerful propellants.