Methane

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 TR408.