If fire needs oxygen, how do rockets stay lit in space?
In: Chemistry
Take a look at [this rocket diagram](https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/rockpart.html) on NASA’s website. The fuel tank typically contains liquid hydrogen, although other fuels are sometimes used, and the oxidizer tank contains liquid oxygen. You’ve probably seen pictures of NASA’S spacecraft with one massive rocket, and two smaller rockets fastened to each side. The massive rocket is designed similarly to the rocket in that diagram, but the smaller side rockets usually contain solid propellants that won’t produce thrust in space.
They carry an oxidizer.
SpaceX rockets, for example, carry liquid oxygen.
Keep in mind that not all propulsion uses combustion. Ion propulsion is one example that doesn’t need oxygen.
They cool the oxygen down to a liquid and bring it with them when they mix the liquid oxygen and whatever rocket fuel they are using boom
They bring their own oxygen with them as oxidizer in a tank.
If they didn’t there wouldn’t be enough air (there’s no air in space) to burn the fuel.
Retired NASA manager here, will do my best to keep it 5. There are two methods. Bring your own oxidizer (liquid oxygen) and mix that with something that causes combustion under pressure, usually liquid Hydrogen, but it can also be something simple like Kerosene.
The other is called Hypergolic fuels, and are as reliable as gunpowder. These are two different types of fuels that combust the second they touch. We use helium pressure as an inert gas to push the two together.
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