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kittyrocket t1_j1x5hcm wrote

Reply to comment by Thorhax04 in Historic first launch of Chinese private methane-fueled rocket ends in failure by returnofjuju

Yep, I'm hoping they keep on working at it. First time success is pretty rare for a rocket.

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QuimmLord t1_j1xrr9f wrote

What’s the benefit to methane as a fuel compared to traditional rocket fuels?

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smolpnrg t1_j1xxjbg wrote

Higher potential efficiency than most, dependent on the engine. Hydrogen is higher but much less dense and harder to work with (the SLS leaking all over the place was the tiny hydrogen molecules finding their way out). The higher volume of hydrogen means a bigger tank and more mass. Methane is also cleaner burning than kerosene based RP-1 so less likely to clog things up and better for the environment.

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QuimmLord t1_j1xxtov wrote

Thank you for the in depth explanation! I had a feeling it had to do with efficiency or similar

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