| Early solid-propellant rockets were
powered by the combustion of a mixture containing the same ingredients as
black gunpowder, but in different proportions. Gunpowder consisted of about
75 per cent saltpetre, 12 per cent sulphur, and 13 per cent charcoal by
weight. Rocket charges consisted of 60 per cent saltpetre, 15 per cent
sulphur, and 25 per cent charcoal. Because of this different composition,
the rocket charge burned more slowly than gunpowder. |
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