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[-] Kirp123@lemmy.world 7 points 8 hours ago* (last edited 8 hours ago)

Damn, didn't realize rockets ran on methane. Just like my stove.

[-] Alcoholicorn@mander.xyz 10 points 8 hours ago

Yes a lot of modern engines run on methane. It doesn't have to be as cold as H2 and its much more volume-dense.

Combustion is much less complicated than with kerosene and other big hydrocarbons.

[-] mkwt@lemmy.world 3 points 8 hours ago

Saturn V first stage ran RP-1, a kerosene fuel like Jet-A or JP8.

[-] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 6 points 7 hours ago

Yep, they went to the moon on fuel that could also run a truck (if you don't particularly care about still running it next week)

if you don't particularly care about still running it next week

Wouldn't RP-1 burn cleaner than run-of-the-mill diesel?

[-] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 4 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 6 hours ago)

Sure, the burning part isn't the problem.

Diesel has small amounts of lubricants, and those are very much needed for all the tiny little moving parts in fuel injectors and probably even in the engine itself. RP-1 doesn't have those.

Also, I know jet fuel will absolutely destroy just about every rubber not specifically designed for it, and that may apply to RP-1 as well.

Also, starting your rocket fuel car in winter is probably going to be a real chore, since the vaporization point is much higher, and modern cars don't come with preheaters that can handle that anymore (thanks to those fuel injectors).

this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
88 points (97.8% liked)

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