Rockets are powerful machines designed to propel payloads—such as satellites, astronauts, or spacecraft—into space using high-speed ejection of exhaust gases. Their core principle is based on Newton’s Third Law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Rockets generate thrust by burning fuel in a combustion chamber and expelling hot gases downward through a nozzle. This pushes the rocket upward in the opposite direction.

• Payload: The cargo being delivered (e.g., satellite, humans, instruments).
• Fuel Tanks: Contain the propellants (liquid hydrogen + oxidizer or solid fuel).
• Engines: Burn fuel to create the thrust that lifts the rocket.
• Nozzle: Narrows exhaust flow to maximize speed and direction of gas exit.

Most rockets are built in stages. After each stage uses its fuel, it detaches, making the rocket lighter and more efficient for higher altitudes and velocities.

To leave Earth, a rocket must exceed 11.2 km/s (about 40,000 km/h). This is the minimum speed needed to overcome Earth’s gravity without falling back.

Modern rockets like the Falcon 9, SLS, and GSLV use advanced materials, engines, and even reusability systems to reduce cost and increase reliability in space missions.