Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Spacecraft Propulsion?

R. Anacan
R. Anacan

Spacecraft propulsion is a general term used to describe the various methods that have been used, are currently used and which may be used in the future to enable a spacecraft to accelerate and decelerate while in the earth’s atmosphere or while traveling in outer space. Current and historic spacecraft propulsion systems generally fell into one of two categories; solid fuel systems and liquid fuel systems. Future spacecraft may be powered by nuclear, electromagnetic, or ion propulsion systems.

Many believe that solid fuel rockets were first used as weapons as early as the 13th century and all of the rockets developed until the early 20th century were powered by solid fuels. Solid fuel propulsion systems are generally less volatile than liquid fueled propulsion systems, which can make them easier to store for extended periods of time and make them safer to work with. The downside of solid fuel systems is that once they are ignited, they cannot be shut down until all of the propellant has been burned.

Spacecraft with solar sails are propelled by pressure created by particles from the Sun.
Spacecraft with solar sails are propelled by pressure created by particles from the Sun.

The inability to turn off the engine when needed has prevented the use of solid fuel systems as the primary basis for spacecraft propulsion systems, which generally require the ability to start and stop the engines when needed. However, solid fuel systems have found a consistent place as part of a spacecraft’s launch propulsion system. Solid rocket boosters have consistently been a component of the launch systems for the Russian space program since the launch of Sputnik I in 1957. The United States has also used solid fuel boosters for its unmanned spacecraft program since the late 1950s and the Space Shuttle system utilized the largest solid rocket boosters used for manned spaceflight to date.

Ion engines use charged ions to provide thrust.
Ion engines use charged ions to provide thrust.

The first liquid fueled rocket was launched by American scientist Robert Goddard, considered to be the father of modern rocketry, in the late 1920s. Goddard believed that liquid-fueled rockets provided more power and were more efficient than their solid fueled counterparts. The liquid fueled rocket paved the way for the development of larger and more powerful rocket engines and the propulsion systems that would one day usher in the Space Age. Liquid fuel propulsion systems use a fuel, such as liquid hydrogen, kerosene or alcohol and an oxidizer such as liquid oxygen. The oxidizer provides the oxygen necessary to ignite and burn the fuel, which in turn enables a spacecraft’s propulsion system to work in the oxygen-less environment of space.

Space shuttles used a combination of main, liquid fuel rockets and solid fuel booster rockets to reach orbit.
Space shuttles used a combination of main, liquid fuel rockets and solid fuel booster rockets to reach orbit.

Many experts agree that the manned exploration of the solar system will require future spacecraft propulsion systems that are based on technologies such as ion or nuclear power that may be more effective and efficient and require less fuel than current spacecraft propulsion systems. Ion engines essentially create an electric field by ionizing a gas. The ions, or charged atoms, are then forced out, creating thrust. Nuclear spacecraft propulsion systems would work through the use of a nuclear reactor that heats a liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrogen, and forces it out of the engine, creating the necessary thrust.

Discussion Comments

Georgesplane

The physics behind electromagnetic propulsion systems is very advanced, and still theoretical, but I will try my best to describe the general details of it. Electromagnetic propulsion systems would actually be hybrid systems that would use super cooled magnets and nuclear power. The nuclear power would be used to create an electric charge that could be 'shot' into a super cooled magnet to create a pulse. The direction of the pulse is unpredictable, but the hopes are to be able to isolate the movement of the pulse into a single direction. In theory, the pulse would accelerate the magnet (which is attached to the ship) in a single direction very fast. If something like this were plausible it could potentially power a ship to the edge of the Heliopause, which is about 5 times the distance of earth to Pluto (200 Astronomical Units). This type of propulsion system would allow a ship to travel at speeds of about 1/1 000th to 1/10 000th the speed of light. This would make a trip to the Heliopause possible in a lifetime; although, the journey would most likely be unmanned.

Babalaas

I noticed that the article included electromagnetic propulsion, but what is it? I always thought of electromagnetic energy in the form of radiation (i.e. light, radio waves, microwaves, radar, etc.) I understand some of the very basic elements of physics, but I have no idea how one could get propulsion out of electromagnetic systems without something being used as a guide. I know that it can be achieved on things like trains because they ride on an electrically charged rail that acts as a guide to the vehicle. Can anyone explain what electromagnetic propulsion is? I would love to know how something like this works, and if it has ever been tested.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Spacecraft with solar sails are propelled by pressure created by particles from the Sun.
      Spacecraft with solar sails are propelled by pressure created by particles from the Sun.
    • Ion engines use charged ions to provide thrust.
      Ion engines use charged ions to provide thrust.
    • Space shuttles used a combination of main, liquid fuel rockets and solid fuel booster rockets to reach orbit.
      By: Mike Brown
      Space shuttles used a combination of main, liquid fuel rockets and solid fuel booster rockets to reach orbit.
    • The rocket engines that were used to maneuver the Space Shuttle when it was in orbit were located to the sides of its vertical stabilizer.
      By: Albo
      The rocket engines that were used to maneuver the Space Shuttle when it was in orbit were located to the sides of its vertical stabilizer.
    • Most objects that have been put into orbit have been boosted into space by conventional rockets, such as the Russian Soyuz-FG launch system.
      By: unclepodger
      Most objects that have been put into orbit have been boosted into space by conventional rockets, such as the Russian Soyuz-FG launch system.
    • Russia has relied on concentrated hydrogen peroxide to propel rockets for decades.
      By: alex83ch
      Russia has relied on concentrated hydrogen peroxide to propel rockets for decades.
    • Project NERVA tested nuclear fission engines for spacecraft in the 1960s, however its plans were abandoned for political and diplomatic reasons.
      Project NERVA tested nuclear fission engines for spacecraft in the 1960s, however its plans were abandoned for political and diplomatic reasons.