adminROCKETS
A rocket is an object or a vehicle in which a jet like propulsion engine is used to propel it upwards in other to overcome the earth’s gravity. Rocket propulsion is a class of jet propulsion that produces thrust by ejecting matter called the working fluid or propellant, stored entirely in the flying vehicle.
Typically in most rockets comprises the following key elements; propulsion, combustion chamber, nozzle guidance and control, electronics and software.
The propulsion engines are broadly divided into two categories; air breathing and non-air breathing engines.in the case of air breathing engines, ambient air is used as an oxidizer for burning fuel. In non-air breathing engines, the oxidizers are not taken from the atmosphere, but are rather carried on board the vehicle. Most non air breathing engines are generally termed rocket engines or motors.
Rocket engines are also divided into two categories: chemical and non-chemical. Based on the type of energy used for propulsion, non-chemical rockets are divided into solar, electrical and nuclear engines. Chemical rockets based on the type of propellant used are divided into three categories; solid, liquid and hybrid.
The propulsion element of a rocket is used to generate thrust, by burning the rocket fuel to produce hot gases. This gas when expelled through a nozzle creates high speed exhaust that propels the rocket forward or upwards.
The combustion chamber is where the fuel and the oxidizer are burned to produce hot gas. In liquid fueled rockets, fuel and oxidizer are pumped into the chamber and ignited.
The nozzle is where the hot gas is expelled, accelerating the rocket. The shape of the nozzle optimizes exhaust velocity and efficiency. The rocket nozzle is crucial component of a rocket engine responsible for accelerating the hot gas produced in the combustion chamber to high velocity thereby generating thrust to propel the rocket.
The guidance and control system (e.g. GPS, inertial measurement units) and control system (e.g. Gyroscopes, actuators) help the rocket to navigate and stabilize their trajectory. This may include the following; flight computer, sensor and actuators, guidance and altitude control system, reaction control system and guidance and navigational software.
While the onboard electronics, computers and installed software is used for control, navigation and communication. This may include the following; telemetry system, communication system, power distribution unit, data acquisition system, flight termination system for the hardware elements while for the software the following; flight software, ground support software, simulation software, data analysis software among a host of other soft wares.
Other features of the rocket design are incorporated to enhance adequate thermal protection, and structural stability and safety during flight.
Rockets in their application are employed for a variety of purposes such as; space exploration, satellite deployment, military missiles, defensive systems and satellites, scientific research, commercial spaceflight, weather forecasting, navigational satellites, earth observation, telecommunication satellites, reconnaissance launching, space tourism, planetary defense, robotic exploration, human space flight and technology development.
The future of rocketry science or technology is closely intertwined with the following advancement in science and technology, such as; re-usability of the rocket, development of private space programs, electric propulsion, nuclear propulsion, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, modular rockets, lunar and mars exploration, space tourism, sustainability, international cooperation, in orbit assembly, advanced guidance systems, new propellants and space based solar power.
All that we need to hope for now is that the future of rockets will transmute to our vision of the spacecraft dubbed the millennium falcon in George Lucas science fiction movie the star wars. That day may come sooner than we can imagine or expect, where a human space race will hop from one planet to the other and from one universe to another.
Sources
- Rocket propulsion elements by George p. Sutton and Oscar Biblarz.
- Rockets and spacecraft: A comprehensive guide By David Baker.
- Rocket science for dummies by Cynthia Phillips and Shana Priwer
- Rocket guidance and navigation by William h. Phillips.
- Spacecraft and rocket dynamics by William e. Wiesel
