Fuel Depletion
Fuel depletion refers to the reduction of fuel quantity in a spacecraft or a rocket during its mission. As the fuel is consumed, the mass of the spacecraft decreases, which affects its velocity and trajectory. Fuel depletion is a critical factor in space missions, as it determines the duration and success of the mission. Engineers must carefully calculate the amount of fuel required for a mission and design the spacecraft accordingly. They also need to consider the type of fuel used, its efficiency, and the weight of the fuel tanks. In some cases, spacecraft may carry extra fuel to compensate for unexpected events or to extend the mission duration. However, carrying extra fuel adds weight to the spacecraft, which reduces its payload capacity and increases the launch cost.
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