rocket, in aeronautics

CE5

Relative positions of the components of the Saturn V rocket, the U.S. space vehicle used in the moon missions

rocket, any vehicle propelled by ejection of the gases produced by combustion of self-contained propellants. Rockets are used in fireworks, as military weapons, and in scientific applications such as space exploration.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Development of Rockets
• Staging of Rockets
• Design of the Exit Nozzle
• Rocket Propellants
• Rocket Design
• Rocket Propulsion
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Space Exploration