Archives: Glossary Terms

An electrodynamic rocketA type of rocketA fluid-dynamics concept that says as low-velocity gases pass into the converging part of a nozzle, they accelerate to the speed of sound at the narrowest section (throat). Then, after they pass through the throat, they expand and accelerate to supersonic speeds. This principle is the basis for creating thrust in a thermodynamic rocket. More that creates thrustA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More by accelerating ions in an electricA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More or a magnetic field. Their low mass flow rate means their thrustA type of rocket system that heats a propellant by passing it through a sustained electric arc, then ejects the energized gas through a nozzle. Its specific impulse is high compared to chemical rockets, but its thrust is very low. More is low, but their high-exit velocityAccounting for the lifting force experienced by our re-entry vehicle allows us to stretch the size of the corridor and allow a greater margin of error in re-entry velocity or angle. If our vehicle is capable of controlling lift, our entry accuracy is greater than that of a strictly ballistic approach. The Space Shuttle is a great example of a lifting re-entry vehicle. More means they are very efficientA type of rocket that creates thrust by accelerating ions in an electric or a magnetic field. Their low mass flow rate means their thrust is low, but their high-exit velocity means they are very efficient (high specific impulse). More (high specific impulseA type of rocket that creates thrust by accelerating ions in an electric or a magnetic field. Their low mass flow rate means their thrust is low, but their high-exit velocity means they are very efficient (high specific impulse). More). More that uses a radial magnetic field to accelerateA fluid-dynamics concept that says as […]

Any combination of solid and liquid propellants and oxidizers that burn to produce thrust. Typically, a solid fuel burns with a liquid or gaseous oxidizerA type of chemical rocketA type of rocket that relies on the energy released from the chemical bonds of the propellant either by decomposition or combustion. More that combines two liquid propellants (a fuel and an oxidizerA type of chemical rocket that combines two liquid propellants (a fuel and an oxidizer) that burn under pressure in a combustion chamber to create a hot and pressurized exhaust that converts to thrust in the nozzle. More) that burn under pressureA type of chemical rocket that combines two liquid propellants (a fuel and an oxidizer) that burn under pressure in a combustion chamber to create a hot and pressurized exhaust that converts to thrust in the nozzle. More in a combustion chamberThe compartment in a thermodynamic rocket engine where a fuel chemically reacts with an oxidizer and transfers heat energy to the reaction products. This reaction typically is combustion but can also be a propellant reacting with a catalyst to produce heat. More to create a hot and pressurized exhaust that […]