๐ Rocket Launch
๐ YOU DID IT!
๐ Launch a Rocket โ Space Explorers Mission
3, 2, 1โฆ Blast off! Design your rocket, choose your fuel, and navigate to orbit. Every real launch follows the same physics โ escape velocity, orbital mechanics, and the tyranny of the rocket equation.
๐ฌ What It Demonstrates
The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation: ฮv = ve ร ln(m0/mf). Every metre per second of velocity change requires exponentially more fuel. Getting to orbit (~7.8 km/s) requires the rocket to be ~80% propellant by mass.
๐ฎ How to Use
Choose engine type and fuel. Add stages (each dropped when empty saves mass). Press launch and steer to reach orbit. The mission success screen shows your orbital parameters.
๐ก Did You Know?
Escape velocity from Earth is 11.2 km/s. The Apollo missions used three stages and 3,000 tonnes of rocket to deliver three astronauts to the Moon and back. Over 96% of the launch mass was propellant.