"Methane is better suited for reusable engines because they leave less behind sooty residue than kerosene, which SpaceX uses on the Falcon 9 rocket."
"Burning methane in combination with liquid oxygen, these 'methalox' engines have several advantages, including easier handling than liquid hydrogen, which is prone to leaks."
"A Chinese rocket became the first methane-fueled launcher to reach orbit in 2023, marking a significant milestone in rocket propulsion technology."
"The US Space Force and NASA want to better understand how the hazards from an exploding methalox rocket might differ from those of other launchers."
For over 60 years, rockets primarily used liquid and solid propellants like kerosene, hydrazine, and hydrogen. Recently, methane-fueled engines have gained traction, with SpaceX and Blue Origin developing powerful engines like the Raptor and BE-4. These methalox engines offer benefits such as reduced residue, easier handling, and better compatibility with reusable designs. A Chinese rocket successfully reached orbit using methane in 2023, while several US companies are also pursuing this technology. Understanding the safety implications of methalox rockets is crucial as launches become more frequent.
Read at Ars Technica
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