Yes, rocket engines do burn in space! While it might seem counterintuitive, rocket engines don't rely on oxygen from the atmosphere to burn fuel.
How Rocket Engines Work in Space
Rocket engines work by using a process called combustion, which is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light. This heat expands the combustion products (gases), creating thrust that propels the rocket forward.
Rocket engines carry their own oxidizer, typically liquid oxygen, along with their fuel. This allows them to burn even in the vacuum of space, where there is no atmospheric oxygen.
Examples of Rocket Engines in Space
- Space Shuttle Main Engines: These engines used liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to generate thrust.
- Saturn V Rocket Engines: The powerful engines of the Saturn V rocket, which launched Apollo missions to the moon, also used liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Engines: Modern rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9 use a combination of kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen.
Conclusion
Rocket engines work by burning fuel and oxidizer, which they carry with them. This allows them to operate in the vacuum of space, where there is no atmospheric oxygen.
