// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Liquid Fuel
A type of propellant that is stored and used in liquid form, often combined with a liquid oxidizer, to power rocket engines.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A chemical propellant, typically a hydrocarbon (e.g., RP-1, hydrazine) or cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid hydrogen), used in liquid-propellant rocket engines, requiring complex turbopumps and plumbing for delivery to the combustion chamber, often paired with a liquid oxidizer.
BACKGROUND
The RS-25, also known as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), is a liquid-fuel cryogenic rocket engine that was used on NASA's Space Shuttle and is used on the Space Launch System.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Liquid Propellant
- Cryogenic Fuel
- Hypergolic Fuel
- RP-1
- Liquid Hydrogen
USAGE NOTE
Liquid fuel rockets offer throttleability and restart capabilities, making them versatile for various mission profiles.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Liquid Fuel.
Develops and operates launch vehicles (Falcon 9, Starship) that rely heavily on liquid propellants, including RP-1 (kerosene) and liquid oxygen for Merlin engines, and liquid methane and liquid oxygen for Raptor engines.
Develops a range of liquid-fueled rocket engines, including the BE-3 (liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen) for New Shepard and the BE-4 (liquid methane/liquid oxygen) for its New Glenn rocket and ULA's Vulcan Centaur.
A joint venture that operates launch vehicles such as the Atlas V (using RP-1/LOX and LH2/LOX) and is developing the Vulcan Centaur, which will use liquid methane/liquid oxygen for its BE-4 engines and liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen for its Centaur V upper stage.
The prime contractor for Europe's Ariane launch vehicles, developing and producing liquid propulsion systems, notably those using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for the Vulcain and Vinci engines on Ariane 5 and Ariane 6.
Funds and conducts extensive research and development into advanced liquid propulsion systems and fuels for rockets and spacecraft, including hydrogen, oxygen, methane, and various hypergolic propellants, at its various centers.
Operates the Electron launch vehicle, which uses RP-1 (kerosene) and liquid oxygen in its Rutherford engines, and is developing the larger Neutron rocket which will use liquid methane and liquid oxygen.
Develops 3D-printed rocket engines (Aeon engines) that utilize liquid methane and liquid oxygen for their Terran 1 and upcoming Terran R launch vehicles.
Designs, develops, and produces various liquid rocket propulsion systems, including engines for launch vehicles, satellite propulsion, and defense applications, often using hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, and other liquid fuels.