Why does SpaceX use kerosene instead of hydrogen?

For example, SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket relies on a combination of liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene propellant, which has less mass than conventional rocket fuel. This lets them pack more fuel into their rockets, and to be able to place larger payloads into orbit.

Does NASA use kerosene?

No. First, NASA doesn’t really manufacture rockets. But, that aside, the SpaceX Falcon uses LOX (liquid oxygen) and RP-1 (kerosene) for its propellants. This is not a new thing.

What is the most efficient rocket fuel?

liquid hydrogen
In combination with an oxidizer such as liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen yields the highest specific impulse, or efficiency in relation to the amount of propellant consumed, of any known rocket propellant.

Why is rocket fuel so expensive?

The reason why rocket fuel is expensive is because of the high combustion needed to create an upward force (thrust) for the rocket to launch upwards. If more fuel is used, more force is generated; greater than the force of gravity. Because a lot of fuel is required for propulsion, its price is usually quite high.

Is kerosene used as rocket fuel?

RP-1 (alternatively, Rocket Propellant-1 or Refined Petroleum-1) is a highly refined form of kerosene outwardly similar to jet fuel, used as rocket fuel. RP-1 provides a lower specific impulse than liquid hydrogen (LH2), but is cheaper, is stable at room temperature, and presents a lower explosion hazard.

Why do rockets use liquid oxygen?

Combustion (burning something) releases energy, which makes things go. Start with fuel (something to burn) and an oxidizer (something to make it burn) and now you’ve got propellant. Give it a spark and energy is released, along with some byproducts. Liquid oxygen (LOX) serves as the oxidizer.

Is kerosene a good fuel for a rocket?

Kerosene is a good rocket fuel and on efficiency scale it probably lies next to only cryogenic rocket fuels. It is in liquid from at room temperature and easy to handle. Its leakage may cause problems but not severe as other liquid fuel does. Easy to transport, fueling and refueling of this, is much easier.

Why do we need kerosene instead of hydrogen?

RP-1 can also be used as a coolant as well as a propellant. In summary, Kerosene is denser than Hydrogen; thus, we need a smaller rocket. RP-1 is liquid at room temperature, easy to handle, is not toxic, easily transportable, has no leakage issue similar to Liquid Hydrogen, and Kerosene rocket engines produce much more thrust per dollar.

What kind of fuel is used in rocket engines?

Many early rockets had burned kerosene, but as burn times, combustion efficiencies, and combustion-chamber pressures grew, and as engine masses shrank, the engine temperatures became unmanageable. Raw kerosene used as coolant would dissociate and polymerize.

Why did SpaceX choose rocket grade kerosene for their Falcon rockets?

RP-1 is liquid at room temperature, easy to handle, is not toxic, easily transportable, has no leakage issue similar to Liquid Hydrogen, and Kerosene rocket engines produce much more thrust per dollar. Because of all these reasons, SpaceX chose rocket grade Kerosene for their Falcon rockets.