| This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies. |
| Locked on 03/27/2004 2:19:41 PM PST by Admin Moderator, reason: |
Posted on 03/27/2004 2:05:38 PM PST by BikePacker
Scramjet is a success!
But this is big mojo.
LIVE Windows Media:
http://www.nasa.gov/55644main_NASATV_Windows.asx
It's SPLASHED DOWN
The best way to understand an X-43A’s air-breathing engine is to first look at a conventional rocket engine. A typical rocket engine is propelled by the combustion created when a liquid oxidizer and a hydrogen fuel are burned in a combustion chamber. These gases create a high-pressure, high-velocity stream of hot gases. These gases flow through a nozzle that further accelerates them to speeds of 5,000 to 10,000 mph (8,047 to 16,093 kph) and provides thrust. For more information on rocket engines, check out the article How Rockets Work. The disadvantage of a conventional rocket engine is that it requires a lot of onboard oxygen. For example, the space shuttle needs 143,000 gallons of liquid oxygen, which weighs 1,359,000 pounds (616,432 kg). Without the liquid oxygen, the shuttle weighs a mere 165,000 pounds (74,842 kg).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.