ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Solid-propellant rocket

Imagine you have a toy rocket that you want to launch. You can make it go up into the sky by using something like a firework to blast it off. A solid-propellant rocket is a little bit like that.

But instead of using gunpowder like a firework, a solid-propellant rocket uses a special fuel that is solid, like a hard candy or a piece of clay. This fuel has special chemicals in it that can burn very quickly and create lots of hot gases that shoot out the back of the rocket, propelling it forward and upward into the sky.

When it's time to launch the rocket, a special igniter or match is used to light the solid fuel. This sets off a controlled explosion that quickly burns the fuel and creates the hot gases. These hot gases shoot out the back of the rocket, like a very powerful blowtorch, pushing the rocket upward.

Because the fuel is already solid, it's easy to store and transport it safely. Plus, once it's lit, the rocket keeps going without needing any extra fuel or other chemicals to keep it moving. This makes solid-propellant rockets a popular choice for launching things like satellites and manned space missions.

Overall, a solid-propellant rocket is a powerful machine that uses a special solid fuel to create hot gases that propel it up into the sky.