Hydrogen peroxide, in a 90% concentration, is used as rocket fuel by the Russian space program. It is stable, legal to buy, and stored in vented aluminum alloy containers. The propellant is pressurized with nitrogen and reacts with a silver catalyst to create steam, which propels the rocket. It is considered safe and used in experimental jet packs and booster engines.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be used as rocket fuel, and in fact it has been the propellant of choice for the Russian space program for decades. That doesn’t mean that the key to everyone’s private rocket company is currently in the medicine cabinet. The form used for rocket fuel is at least a 90% concentration, while the disinfectant in a medicine cabinet has been diluted to about 3%. It’s still powerful enough to kill germs, but not strong enough to propel a rocket into space.
Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is remarkably stable, considering how much potential potency it contains. While medicinal grade products are as close as the nearest retail pharmacy, rocket grade versions can be harder to obtain. It is legal to buy, but must be stored inside vented aluminum alloy containers in adequately shaded areas, just like gasoline or kerosene. The liquid is not flammable like gasoline, but it can cause severe oxidation burns if it contacts exposed skin.
Unlike the rocket propellants used to power US rockets and spacecraft, hydrogen peroxide does not ignite and burn to generate thrust. The concentrated liquid is instead stored inside a special tank pressurized with nitrogen. At the other end of this tank is a conical rocket engine nozzle. What happens next may require a quick scientific explanation.
Hydrogen peroxide is nothing but ordinary water (H20) which contains extra oxygen atoms, turning it into H202. This hydrogen peroxide wants to release the extra oxygen atom to become the much more stable H20. When an element such as silver is introduced into the compound, a catalytic and exothermic reaction occurs. This reaction generates significant amounts of heat and steam. Removing the silver catalyst would end the reaction, shutting down the rocket engine.
When a catalyst packet containing silver discs is placed in the concentrated liquid and pressurized, the reaction is instantaneous and powerful. In fact, for every unit of liquid peroxide, over 5,000 units of propellant power are created. All of this steam has to go somewhere, which is where the rocket nozzle comes into play. The rocket motor directs the propellant through a narrow passage, then out through a cone-shaped nozzle. This propels the rocket or missile into the sky.
Although many rocket systems now use a dual propellant system with a separate oxidizer and fuel, hydrogen peroxide engines are still very popular for ground pursuits. Both experimental jet packs for single flyers and booster engines for stunt bikes use it as a propellant. Of all the types of rocket fuel available, many consider it the safest, as it is relatively stable, requires no external ignition, and leaves only water in its wake.
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