Researchers have developed a rocket propulsion system, known as a rotating detonation rocket engine, that will allow upper stage rockets for space missions to become lighter, travel farther, and burn more cleanly. Rotating detonations are continuous, Mach 5 explosions that rotate around the inside of a rocket engine. The explosions are sustained by feeding hydrogen and oxygen propellant into the system at just the right amounts. This system improves rocket engine efficiency so that more power is generated while using less fuel than traditional rocket energies, thus lightening the rocket's load and reducing its costs and emissions.
展开▼
