MadSci Network: Chemistry |
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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