Myth Busting: Are There Amateur Experiments That Prove Rockets Need an Atmosphere?

The age-old question of whether rockets can function in a vacuum has been widely debated. While the historical achievement of placing thousands of objects into orbit indeed demonstrates the viability of rockets, some people entertain the idea that rockets require an atmosphere to generate thrust. This article aims to clarify the misconceptions and provide evidence from verified experiments that debunk such beliefs.

Basic Physics and Newton's Third Law

According to Newton's Third Law of Motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a rocket expels gas out of its back, it creates an equal force in the opposite direction, propelling the rocket forward. This fundamental principle of physics applies to all forms of motion, whether in a vacuum or the Earth's atmosphere.

The Frozen Lake Analogy

Let's consider a simple analogy: Imagine you are standing on a frozen lake with no friction and no air resistance, holding a cannonball. If you throw the cannonball as hard as you can, your body will respond accordingly. The cannonball will accelerate away, and you will experience an equal and opposite reaction, causing you to slide backward. This is a direct demonstration of Newton's Third Law in action, and it works the same way for a rocket in a vacuum.

Videos and Experimental Evidence

A video, often cited by those who claim rockets need an atmosphere, purportedly shows a rocket not moving until gas builds up in an evacuated tube. However, such experiments are either misinterpreted or outdated. In reality, rocket motors have been rigorously tested in both vacuums and microgravity conditions, with numerous documented successes.

Historical and Modern Evidence

Earlier tests have been conducted, with hundreds of experiments verifying the effectiveness of rocket motors in a vacuum. These tests predate the era of human spaceflight, providing early evidence of rocket viability. More recently, the success of transporting people to the International Space Station and various unmanned missions has solidified our understanding of rocket propulsion in space.

Modern Rocketry and Practical Applications

Modern rocketry relies on extensive testing and experimentation. Rockets like the Falcon 9 from SpaceX and the Atlas V from United Launch Alliance have undergone rigorous testing in both terrestrial and space conditions. These tests have confirmed that rockets can function effectively in a vacuum, aligning with theoretical predictions.

Conclusion

The notion that rockets need an atmosphere to function is a misconception. Through both theoretical understanding and practical experimentation, it has been demonstrated that rockets can indeed generate thrust in a vacuum. Historical achievements and modern space missions provide ample evidence that rockets are robust and reliable in the vast expanse of space.