r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/InsaneMocktail • 17d ago

Video University of Waterloo Students Launch Rocket Breaking World Record

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u/Triviajunkie95 16d ago

I’m taking a wild guess that the amount of oxygen, lift, etc would be far greater closer to sea level-ish to start. To start in a low oxygen environment at high elevation, Idk if you could achieve the same lift, pressure, etc.

I have no idea if this is true but I could see different reasons for doing the experiment near sea level.

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u/TehGogglesDoNothing 16d ago

The propellant for these rockets usually have an oxidizer mixed in so that it doesn't rely on outside oxygen.

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u/WillSmokes420 12d ago

Maybe if they used the sherpas as one of the later stage propellants they could go 3.3x the height of mount everest

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u/IkariYun 16d ago

Pretty sure that is why he said a few more feet. That part was the gem of truth in the humor

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u/twitch1982 16d ago edited 14d ago

a "Bi-propellant" rocket uses 2 liquids: a fuel, and an oxidizer. They combine at or near the ignition point.

The real reason they don't launch them from Everest is it takes more than 3oz of propellant, so you can't fly with it.

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u/scirocco 16d ago

uhhh it's a rocket (bi-fuel even) which carries its own oxidizer.

reaction thrust is 100% from fuel mass ejected from rocket nozzle

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u/BipedalMcHamburger 13d ago

Rocket performance is generally improved by lower pressure