Understanding How Commercial Rockets Actually Work in Practice

Investment from the private sector has generated more interest in space travel. The costs of launching keep getting lower. So space exploration expects to become a $1 Trillion industry by 2040.

And once again, our fascination grows for what makes it all work. Watching those massive commercial rockets liftoff is still a sight that thrills.

But have you ever wondered how NASA gets its payloads into orbit? Well, keep reading for a brief guide on the technology for launching rockets.

Pushing Off

Rockets are still the only way to reach space because of one crucial factor. Newton’s Law of Gravity applies the challenge to the space industry.

Thrust is the essential ingredient to getting commercial rockets off the ground. Since the original rockets got invented, a specific chemical provided the necessary force.

Only an oxidant can equal the role of oxygen to combust. A combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen became the norm.

The moment of liftoff is where gravity has its greatest effect on the weight of a rocket. So the explosion of the oxidant must have the force to push the massive machine skyward. Once moving, the rocket sheds mass and accelerates from being lighter.

The space industry discovered early that vertical launch was best. Then, most types of rockets have stages to carry the craft further. Yet, it is also critical for the best rockets to maintain a trajectory to keep flying.

Changes In Flight

Different types of rockets maneuver their own way. But all need a stabilizing force to keep from losing trajectory.

That delicate balance comes from displacing the exhaust. Today’s best rockets used gimballed engines to steer with minor corrections.

Once on course, the giant booster rockets that held the liquid gases will fall away. Every aspect of this initial stage must be precise to prevent catastrophic results. Too much combustion at the wrong time can blow the rocket apart.

Spacecraft designs differ depending on the needs of the flight. Many types of rockets that carry satellites only need to reach lower orbit. At this point, 124 miles above the Earth’s surface, gravity is still as strong.

Yet friction in the upper atmosphere is lower. So by this time, commercial rockets are moving fast enough to stay stable in flight.

You can get more details about the changes in space flight at https://www.discoverspace.org/events/book-the-space/. It’s an excellent place for an event to learn about space travel.

Beyond Orbit

Commercial rockets need to reach escape velocity to leave orbit. The rocket is achieving a speed of 6.9 miles per second. After the boosters have done their job, the best rockets use fueled stages to propel further.

The upper stages of commercial rockets are more intricate. Their design must include the ability to shut down and restart when necessary. Yet the most exciting part of space travel happens with much less fuel.

An elliptical orbit is a fascinating exercise using the sun to propel rockets. The rocket uses that planet’s gravity as part of the propulsion at its destination.

Commercial Rockets Are Getting Stronger

As space travel evolves, private enterprise is creating better commercial rockets. Continued development will see the best rockets soaring to greater heights than ever.

It is an exciting time for the space industry again. And now that you know how most types of rockets work, the more fun you will have to watch them develop. So if this article gave you a lift, come back to this site for more intriguing insights.