Spacecraft Engines


Spacecraft engines are the propulsion systems that provide the necessary force to launch, maneuver, and maintain the trajectory of a spacecraft in space. These engines use various types of fuels, such as liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and solid rocket fuels, to generate the required thrust. The engines can be classified into two main categories: chemical and electric. Chemical engines use the energy released by the chemical reaction between the fuel and oxidizer to produce thrust, while electric engines use electrical energy to accelerate ions or plasma to generate thrust. The choice of engine depends on the mission requirements, such as the payload mass, the distance to be traveled, and the duration of the mission. The development of advanced spacecraft engines is crucial for the exploration and colonization of space, as it enables the spacecraft to travel faster, farther, and more efficiently.


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