Rockets
⭐ MasteredRockets burn fuel to produce a powerful push. Newton's third law explains it: as hot gas shoots down, the rocket is pushed up. They need to reach about 28,000 km/h to orbit Earth.
Rockets have stages that drop away when empty.
All about Rockets
A rocket burns fuel to produce hot gases that shoot out of the back. Newton's third law of motion explains how this works: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the gas rushes down, the rocket is pushed up.
To reach orbit, a spacecraft must travel at about 28,000 kilometres per hour so that it keeps falling around the Earth rather than back down. Most rockets are built in stages, which drop away when they are empty to make the rest lighter.
Rockets burn fuel to produce a powerful push.
Rockets need a huge amount of fuel to escape Earth's gravity. Once in space, rockets can carry satellites, astronauts and probes to other planets.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows a rocket burning fuel and hot gases shooting downwards. Watch how the rocket is pushed upwards as the gases push back down, which is Newton's third law at work.
Real-life uses of Rockets
- Launching satellites into orbit
- Carrying astronauts to the International Space Station
- Sending robotic missions to other planets
Frequently asked questions about Rockets
What is a multi-stage rocket?
A rocket made of several parts, each with its own engines and fuel. Each stage is dropped when its fuel runs out.
Why do rockets need so much fuel?
Lifting a heavy spacecraft against gravity and accelerating it to orbital speed takes an enormous amount of energy.
Can rockets work in space?
Yes. Rockets carry their own oxygen or other oxidisers, so they do not need air to push against.