Rocket

space · engineering · fast

Pushes itself. A rocket flies by shooting hot exhaust out the back at high speed, and that push (called thrust) drives it forward.

Works in space. Unlike a jet engine, a rocket carries its own fuel and oxygen, so it doesn't need air, meaning it can fly in the empty vacuum of space.

Better up high. Rocket engines actually work more efficiently outside the atmosphere than they do down near the ground.

Made of propellant. All the power comes from the propellant the rocket carries with it, which burns and turns into fast-moving exhaust.