Chapter 3 – Propulsion

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the propulsion aspects that must be taken into account when discussing rocket propulsion systems. The modem ideas of rocket propulsion actually had their beginnings in the 1880s in the small Russian town of Kaluga, south of Moscow. Whatever space mission is undertaken, the spacecraft must first be put into an orbit and, secondly, may need to maneuver as well. For this it requires some sort of a propulsion system and, in most cases, more than one. While there are a number of advanced types in development, the vast majority of propulsion systems today produce thrust by the expulsion of chemical propellants through nozzles. Processes for imparting energy to the propellant include chemical, nuclear, electric, and other types of combustions, and the list of available propellants is also long and varied. Several factors are involved in reaching the desired orbit, including establishing the correct burn-out conditions, staging, launch timing, launch pad location, and launch direction. The principles of producing thrust via expulsion of mass is also discussed.