Specific Impulse
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SECONDS (S)
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Specific Impulse I(sp)
The Efficiency Metric. I(sp) defines the quality of the engine's "burn." A high I(sp) allows a rocket to achieve the same Delta-v with significantly less fuel mass, breaking the "Tyranny of the Rocket Equation."
- ⚡ Measurement: Expressed in seconds (Thrust per Unit Flow).
- ⚡ Propellant Choice: Hydrogen (452s) > Kerosene (311s).
- ⚡ Altitude Effect: I(sp) increases as atmospheric pressure drops.
The Zenith
The Highest Point. Zenith is the imaginary point directly "up" from a specific location. It serves as the primary reference for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies and the flight path of ascending rockets.
- ↑ Angle: Exactly 90 degrees from the horizon.
- ↑ Opposite: The Nadir (the point directly below).
- ↑ Usage: Used to calculate the shortest path through the atmosphere.
Engine Efficiency
The Thermodynamic Limit. A 95% efficiency rating means the engine is operating at the absolute edge of physics. Every drop of propellant is squeezed for maximum pressure, leaving almost no unburnt residue or wasted thermal energy.
- ✔ Combustion: Near-perfect mixing of fuel and oxidizer.
- ✔ Recovery: Uses waste heat to pre-warm the fuel.
- ✔ Output: Maximizes exhaust velocity (ve) for better Delta-v.
Exhaust Dynamics
The balance between Speed and Consumption. A high exhaust velocity ensures efficiency, while a high mass flow rate provides the brute force needed to overcome a "Moderate" G-Loss during the climb to orbit.
- ≋ Velocity: 3,050 m/s (Mach 8.9 Exhaust).
- ≋ Flow: 655.8 kg of propellant ejected every second.
- ≋ Gravity Loss: Energy spent fighting the 9.81 m/s² pull.