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Liquid hydrogen has better energy density by mass than alternatives. Density by volume isn't as good, which makes hydrocarbons a better choice usually. But if a
by Manuel_D 3y ago
Liquid hydrogen has better energy density by mass than alternatives. Density by volume isn't as good, which makes hydrocarbons a better choice usually. But if a lightweight fuel container can be made, it's the more optimal choice.
- perihelions 3y agoIt's rather that it's more effective at converting energy to impulse, since the molecular weights of the combustion products are much lighter. LH2/LOx doesn't have a particularly large energy advantage over hydrocarbons, when you're also accounting the mass of the oxygen (as you do with non-airbreathing rockets).