2006-09-06 06:49:41 · 6 answers · asked by devildukerobert 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Getting to space is EASY, making ORBIT rather less so, and leaving orbit heading on out Very much less so! Giving a general answer is therefore impossible, but it is worth noting that in the simple cases there are only really two variables that matter for space propulsion:
Propellant mass fraction - What fraction of the launch weight is fuel and oxidiser.
Exhaust velocity - How fast you throw that hot gas out the back....
Those two numbers define an upper limit on the maximum velocity change you can impart to the ship and thus where you can go.
Earth escape velocity is fairly close to the limit for a non nuclear rocket, hence the need for very high mass fractions at launch for any engine we can build (Orbit is not that much easier).
Typical fuels are hydrogen and oxygen (both stored as cryogenic liquids), in part because low mean exhaust molecular weight gives a higher exhaust velocity, but petrochemical fuels have also been used.
HTH.
Regards, Dan.
2006-09-06 10:18:05 · answer #1 · answered by Dan M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends entirely on the weight of the ship and how far it's going into space. Your ? is like asking how many gallons a road vehicle uses without saying how big it is or how far you're going to drive it. A small sattelite can be put into low earth orbit with as little as a couple of tons of propellant (hydrocarbon fuel + liquid oxygen). The space shuttle uses about 1900 tons of propellant to reach and return from orbit including the solid rocket boosters used for launch.
2006-09-06 14:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the payload and the need for post burn terminal velocity. if you're launching a feather and you don't want to achieve orbital velocity, you won't need so much as if you're lauching a space shuttle and plan to circumnavigate the moon.
in addition, the different fuels available these days have different boost capacities. more research can answer some questions at nasa.com or space.com. you'll need specifics. good luck.
2006-09-06 13:56:48 · answer #3 · answered by bardmere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats depend on the weight of your space ship ,so space ship is just 10% of the total weight .and 90 % fuel
2006-09-06 15:21:07 · answer #4 · answered by source_of_love_69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Space shuttle dont use gas. They run on magical pixies. Use the internet fool.
2006-09-06 13:55:19 · answer #5 · answered by ryan o 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
4 super duper incredibly high octane gallons.
2006-09-06 13:54:47 · answer #6 · answered by digital genius 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋