Simple Rocket Fuel

After the creation of liquid and solid rocket propellants comes a new and highly efficient propellant which can enhance future space exploration. This new rocket propellant is made up of Aluminum powder and water ice, which is currently being developed by Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University.

The “ALICE” fuel mixture could someday replace liquid or solid rocket propellants, and possibly enable higher performance as well. The implications for space exploration could also mean accessible fuel reserves at future lunar or Martian outposts, which naturally attract the interest of NASA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

A small rocket was tested, which was powered by aluminum powder and water ice, which reached a height of 1,300 feet, based on the propellant’s high burn rate and maximum thrust of 650 pounds during the latest flight test.

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