Rocket propellant is the material used by a rocket engine to generate thrust. The most common propellants consist of a fuel and an oxidizer that participate in chemical reactions to produce extremely hot gases. These gases exert pressure that propels the rocket forward while they are ejected in the form of a jet through the rear.
Most liquid chemical rockets use two separate propellants: a fuel and an oxidizer. Typical fuels include kerosene, alcohol, hydrazine and its derivatives, and liquid hydrogen. Many others have been tested and used. Oxidizers include nitric acid, nitrogen tetroxide, liquid oxygen, and liquid fluorine.
Common monopropellant used for liquid rocket engines include:
1. Hydrogen peroxide
2. Hydrazine
3. Red fuming nitric acid (RFNA).
