// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Fuel Mixture
The specific combination and ratio of propellants (fuel and oxidizer) used in a rocket engine or other propulsion system to generate thrust.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The precise stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric ratio of fuel and oxidizer components (e.g., RP-1/LOX, H2/LOX) combined in a propulsion system's combustion chamber to achieve optimal energy release, thrust, and specific impulse.
BACKGROUND
Ethanol fuel is an alcohol-based fuel commonly produced by fermenting sugars from crops such as corn, sugarcane, and other biomass, although it can also be synthesized from petroleum derivatives. While it is the same type of alcohol as found in alcoholic beverages, it is most often used as an alternative to gasoline in transportation, either as a pure fuel or blended into gasoline mixtures as a biofuel additive, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol fuel in Brazil and the United States dominate global ethanol production, together accounting for the majority of supply, and many countries mandate ethanol blending in automotive fuels.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Propellant Mixture
- Mixture Ratio
- Fuel-Oxidizer Ratio
- Propellant Blend
USAGE NOTE
Adjusting the fuel mixture ratio can optimize engine performance for different mission phases or thrust requirements.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Fuel Mixture.
Develops and utilizes methalox, a fuel mixture of liquid methane and liquid oxygen, for its Raptor engines powering the Starship vehicle. Also uses RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen for its Falcon 9 rockets.
Develops the BE-4 engine, which uses a fuel mixture of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX). Their BE-3PM engine uses a combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
A major developer of rocket propulsion systems, including the RS-25 engines for NASA's SLS which use a hydrolox mixture (liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). They also research advanced and storable propellants.
Designs and manufactures rocket engines for the aerospace industry, working with various fuel mixtures. Their engines include the Hadley, which uses kerosene and liquid oxygen, and the Arroway, which uses methane and liquid oxygen.
A UK-based company developing the SABRE, a hybrid air-breathing rocket engine. It uses liquid hydrogen as fuel, initially with atmospheric oxygen before switching to an onboard liquid oxygen supply at high altitudes.
Manufactures the Rutherford engine, which is powered by a mixture of RP-1 (a refined kerosene) and liquid oxygen, uniquely utilizing electric pumps. Their upcoming Neutron rocket will use a methane and liquid oxygen mixture.
Focuses on in-space transportation and has developed thrusters, such as Saiph, that use a novel, storable propellant mixture of ethane and nitrous oxide for orbital maneuvering.
Conducts extensive research into advanced propulsion systems. This includes studying the combustion physics of various fuel mixtures, such as cryogenic propellants like liquid hydrogen, methane, and oxygen, as well as developing 'green' propellant alternatives.