How Rockets Work: A Journey to Space

The Anatomy of a Rocket

Rockets are marvels of engineering designed to travel into space or to other planets, carrying essential components like multiple engines. These engines operate on a "use-and-throw" technology, meaning that once an engine has served its purpose at a specific stage, it is jettisoned. This approach ensures efficiency and reduces weight as the rocket progresses on its journey.

The Payload: Heart of the Mission

At the top of the rocket lies the payload casing, which houses the payload itself. The payload could be a rover, a satellite, or other critical equipment. Surprisingly, in a massive rocket, only this uppermost section carries the mission-critical components. The rest of the rocket’s structure is dedicated to propelling this payload into space or to another planet.

Engines: The Powerhouse of Rockets

Below the payload is the cryogenic engine, a highly sophisticated piece of engineering. Only a few countries, including India, have mastered the technology to develop these engines. Beneath the cryogenic engine is the liquid engine, which uses fuel in liquid form. On the sides, you’ll find boosters, which are critical to the rocket’s first stage. These boosters are incredibly powerful and use solid fuel, functioning similarly to the firecracker rockets we see during celebrations.

The First Stage: Solid Propellant System

The first stage of a rocket’s journey relies on the solid propellant system, where the boosters come into play. These boosters contain a mixture of fuel and oxygen, as space lacks the oxygen needed for fuel combustion. The fuel is typically made from materials like plastic, resin, or aluminum powder, while the oxidizer could be nitrate, perchlorate, or liquid oxygen. These are mixed at a specific temperature and converted into a solid form, which is then packed into the boosters.

When the rocket begins its ascent, an igniter sparks the fuel, creating high-pressure and high-temperature gases. These gases are channeled through a converging-diverging nozzle, which first compresses the gases and then expels them with immense force, propelling the rocket upward. This process is akin to blowing air through pursed lips, where the air is compressed and released with pressure to travel a short distance.

Navigating Earth’s Gravity

Rockets don’t travel straight up indefinitely, as this would consume excessive fuel due to Earth’s gravity. Instead, after clearing the launch tower, the rocket’s nozzles are gradually adjusted in a maneuver called the gravity turn. This shifts the rocket’s trajectory to travel horizontally along Earth’s curvature. To understand this, imagine a cannon firing a projectile from a mountain. With enough power, the projectile could orbit Earth without crashing, following its curvature. Similarly, a rocket aims to reach a circular orbit around Earth.

Once in its target orbit, the rocket’s engines fire at full power to push it farther from Earth. The closest point to Earth in its orbit is called the perigee, while the farthest is the apogee. At the apogee, Earth’s gravity slows the rocket, pulling it back. To avoid falling back to Earth, the rocket must maintain high horizontal speed, with engines firing strategically to extend its orbit and continue its journey to another planet.

Conclusion

The journey of a rocket from Earth to space or another planet is a carefully orchestrated process, relying on advanced engineering and precise calculations. From powerful boosters to sophisticated cryogenic engines, every component plays a vital role. Understanding these systems not only highlights the complexity of space travel but also showcases the incredible achievements of countries like India in mastering this technology.