MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Hydrogen peroxyde rocket: could that be done?

Date: Wed Jun 17 04:32:53 1998
Posted By: Craig Earls, Graduate Student, Aerospace Engineering/Ocean Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 898022306.Ch
Message:

Hydrogen Peroxide has been used as a rocket fuel for many years. 
The excess oxygen in the H2O2 allows it to be what is called a
"monopropellant", that is a material that has oxidizer and fuel 
built in. Hydrogen Peroxide has not been very popular as a rocket 
fuel due its fairly low performance when compared to things like 
Hydrazine, which is commonly used for maneuvering jets on 
satellites and space probes.

One note: hydrogen peroxide used as a rocket fuel is very toxic and
requires extraordinary car in handling so you don't blow yourself up. The
"hydrogen peroxide" you can buys in stores is a mixture of H2O2 and 
water that will not work as a rocket propellant due to the low
concentration of H2O2.



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