🚀Starting rocket engines involves different processes for solid and liquid motors.
❄️Liquid rocket engines require chilling to withstand extreme temperatures.
💥Failure to follow startup procedures can lead to catastrophic failures.
⚙️Liquid engines use turbo pumps powered by gas generators to create high pressures.
🔥Ignition of the propellants is crucial for a successful launch.
What is the difference between solid and liquid rocket engines?
—Solid rocket engines use pre-mixed propellant that ignites with the help of wires or small explosives. Liquid rocket engines use turbo pumps to flow fuel and oxidizer into a combustion chamber for controlled combustion.
Why do liquid rocket engines need to be chilled?
—Liquid rocket engines use cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen and hydrogen, which must be kept at extremely low temperatures. Chilling the engine prevents propellant boiling and cavitation in the pumps.
What powers the turbo pumps in liquid rocket engines?
—The turbo pumps are powered by gas generators, which are essentially smaller rocket engines that provide high-pressure gas to spin the turbines that drive the pumps.
What happens if rocket engine startup procedures are not followed?
—Failure to follow startup procedures can lead to catastrophic failures, such as detonations or engine damage. Startup procedures ensure proper combustion and prevent dangerous conditions.
Why is ignition of the propellants crucial for a successful launch?
—Ignition of the propellants initiates the controlled combustion process, producing the thrust needed to lift the rocket off the ground. Without proper ignition, the engine cannot generate the necessary power for a successful launch.
01:56Solid rocket motors are the easiest to start, often ignited using wires or small explosives.
05:50Liquid rocket engines require chilling to withstand extreme temperatures, especially those using cryogenic propellants like liquid oxygen and hydrogen.
11:20Engines need to be purged of moisture and air pockets before being thermally conditioned for extreme environments.
15:28Liquid rocket engines use separate gas generators to power the turbo pumps that provide high-pressure propellant flow.
16:16Engine startup involves processes such as chill down, spin up, and ignition to ensure proper combustion and prevent catastrophic failures.
