Difference between revisions of "Methane"

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(New page: '''Methane''' is the lightest of the hydrocarbons, consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Methane is of particular interest for missions to Mars, as it ...)
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Revision as of 04:17, 18 November 2007

Methane is the lightest of the hydrocarbons, consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.

Methane is of particular interest for missions to Mars, as it may be possible to produce it in situ using locally-available raw materials. This would make it an ideal fuel for rovers and rocket engines.

A number of LOX/methane fueled rockets are under development, such as the XR5M15 and TR-408.