Instant expert
A rocket engine profits from one basic principle: as it propels material in one direction, it receives a kick in the other. Whether it’s a child on ice skates who throws a stone forward and finds themselves gliding backwards or a modern rocket leaving Earth’s surface, the physics of conserving momentum underwrites the drama.
“ EVEN A SLOW LEAK OR EVAPORATING WATER HAVE PROVIDED A SMALL KICK TO NUDGE A CRAFT FROM ITS INTENDED COURSE”