1. Examples of aerospace propulsion systems

Aerospace propulsion systems are generally of two main types: jet engines and propeller thrusters. In simple terms, some – even when using ambient air – expel the mass of propellant they have ingested at high speed (e.g. octopus), while others move a large volume of ambient air (e.g. swimming or rowing).

The main types of aerospace thrusters are described in the article [BM 3 002] , but the most common are those used on aircraft, missiles and space launchers:

• rocket reactors (solid propellant or liquid propellant): combustion at high...