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Rocket
engine
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Rocket engines are very powerful and can operate in space in the absence of air. They carry a fuel and their own supply of oxygen. These are kept in separate tanks. Pumps are used to force the fuel and oxygen into the ignition chamber where the mixture is then ignited producing a great deal of heat and gas. As the gas is heated it escapes out through the nozzle producing thrust.
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| The space shuttle consists of a large external fuel tank, the Orbiter and two re-useable solid fuel boosters. The boosters contain solid fuel and oxidant packed tightly into the cylinders. The oxidant releases oxygen when heated and this is used to burn the fuel. Once the solid fuel boosters are ignited they can not be extinguished and must be left to burn until the fuel expires. |  |