petroleum-based propellant A type of liquid propellant in which the fuel is refined from crude oil and consists of a mixture of complex hydrocarbons, i.e. organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen. The petroleum used as rocket fuel is kerosene, or a type of highly refined kerosene known as RP-1. Related category PROPELLANTS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |