Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:  How do they make rocket fuel?
---Tony

Answer:
There are two basic kinds of rocket fuel: liquid propellants or solid.
Liquid propellants are usually liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (although
the Russians use kerosene and liquid oxygen). Solid rocket propellant is
usually composed of powdered aluminum, ammonium perchlorate (the oxydizer
for the aluminum) and a binder (often something similar to RTV); sometimes
nitroglycerin is added for extra punch!
 
--- Jade