Thanks for chiming in on the rocketry stuff. Had you not done so, I’d have been tempted, as an actual aero engineer by background. Of course, should also be mentioned that the SLS solid motors have much more fuel as well. Though, Isp is generally not of that much importance on lower stages, in any case. That’s a better performance metric on upper-stage, and more specifically vacuum engines, since (as you call out) it’s a measure of efficiency, and efficiency doesn’t much matter if you can’t get off the launch pad.
That’s a good point about Isp not mattering as much lower in the atmosphere. This isn’t my field, but I know enough physics and have played enough Kerbal to know what to look for on the board.
Just a fun aside, while I was in undergrad, we covered the rocket equation in one of my mechanics courses. The textbook we were using was quite old, so a bunch of the questions were about the US/USSR launching rockets at each other.
Thanks for chiming in on the rocketry stuff. Had you not done so, I’d have been tempted, as an actual aero engineer by background. Of course, should also be mentioned that the SLS solid motors have much more fuel as well. Though, Isp is generally not of that much importance on lower stages, in any case. That’s a better performance metric on upper-stage, and more specifically vacuum engines, since (as you call out) it’s a measure of efficiency, and efficiency doesn’t much matter if you can’t get off the launch pad.
That’s a good point about Isp not mattering as much lower in the atmosphere. This isn’t my field, but I know enough physics and have played enough Kerbal to know what to look for on the board.
Just a fun aside, while I was in undergrad, we covered the rocket equation in one of my mechanics courses. The textbook we were using was quite old, so a bunch of the questions were about the US/USSR launching rockets at each other.
Are you also looking forward to Kitten Space Agency?
TIL about Kitten Space Agency. Now I am!
You’re welcome!