Rocket

Soviet R-7 Rocket, the first rocket to put an object into orbit

A rocket is a device that generates thrust by burning a chemical fuel and directing the exhaust in a particular direction. Conservation of momentum requires that the momentum of the exhaust be balanced by the momentum of the rocket itself, accelerating the rocket via reaction force.

Rockets have existed since the 13th century in China, with simple black powder rockets used as flares, weapons, and fireworks. Modern rocketry, however, began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Robert H. Goddard, Wernher von Braun, and Sergei Korolev. Early rockets used solid masses of gunpowder as propellent, with modern rockets being divided into several catagories, often using pure oxygen as a catalyst for ignition to get the most energy possible out of the Engine.

Today rockets are used primarily as space-launch devices and weapon delivery systems, although some civilian enthusiasts make rockets for recreational purposes.

Real Life Rockets

• RS-82 (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
• V2 (Nazi Germany)
• R7 (USSR)
• Saturn V (United States of America)
• Long March 2F (People's Republic of China)

See also

• Stas Bush's guide to soviet and american rocket evolution