- A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which is that relatively lightweight and powerful, capable of generating large accelerations and of attaining extremely high speeds with reasonable efficiency and obtains thrust from a rocket engine.
- Rocket engines work by action and reaction where its engines push it forward by throwing their exhaust backwards extremely fast, and relying on momentum, air fins, guidance rockets and/or gravity to help control flight. Rocket engine exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use.
- Rockets typically consist of structural system, the payload system,the guidance system, and the propulsion system.
- Structural System: or the frame is similar to that of airplanes and is made of very strong but lightweight materials such as titanium or aluminum. a thermal protection system to keep out the heat of air friction during flight and to keep in the cold temperatures needed for certain fuels and oxidizers. Fins are attached to some rockets at the bottom of the frame to provide stability during the flight.
- Payload system: depending upon the rocket’s mission the payload could be explosives, satellites, space shuttles etc.
- The guidance system: Include sophisticated sensors, on-board computers, radars, and communication equipment to navigate the rocket in flight
- Propulsion system: consisting of the propellants that the rocket needs for its flight. It may consist of fuel and oxidizer (propellant) tanks, pumps, a combustion chamber with nozzle, and the associated plumbing.