Space & Transportation
How does a rocket work?
Hot gas shoots out of the engine, creating the thrust that lifts the rocket.
Your SimpleSci lab
Getting the moving parts ready…
Someone had to figure this out
Aerospace + propulsion engineer
Rocket engineers design engines that make strong thrust without making the rocket too heavy.
Your turn: If you could improve one part, what would you change and why?
Find this interesting? Maybe you should be an aerospace or propulsion engineer when you grow up!
1. A rocket carries its own fuel and oxidizer
This rocket carries two liquids: fuel and an oxidizer. The oxidizer is a chemical that lets the fuel burn without using oxygen from the outside air.
2. Burning propellants makes hot gas
The fuel and oxidizer meet in the combustion chamber, where they react and make very hot, high-pressure gas.
3. The nozzle speeds the gas downward
The nozzle directs the hot gas out of the engine at high speed.
4. Exhaust down means rocket up
The engine pushes exhaust downward. The exhaust pushes back on the rocket, creating an upward force called thrust. The rocket lifts off when thrust is greater than its weight.
5. The rocket gets lighter as it flies
As the rocket uses propellant, it loses mass. A lighter rocket is easier for the same engine to accelerate.
6. Stages drop empty parts
Many rockets drop empty tanks and engines during flight. Getting rid of unneeded weight helps the remaining rocket accelerate.
4 · Quiz
Does it make sense now?
Answer all five questions. Your best score is saved on this device.
Launch game unlocked
Congrats! Apply what you just learned and launch your rocket.
Use thrust to launch, drop the empty first stage at the right time, then steer around space debris to deliver a satellite.
One big idea. Now it makes sense.
Ready to explain it to someone else? Mark this exploration complete, then follow your curiosity to the next one.