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MJ2246 Rocket Propulsion 6.0 credits

Administer About course

Although rocket propulsion is a technology based on a physic law discovered on the XVI century, It experienced a strong development in the late century. Today, rocket propulsion is of paramount importance is space sciences, telecommunication and military applications.

In the Rocket Propulsion course the student will gain an insight into the physics behind rocket technology, propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, performance characteristics of propellants among others subjects.

Information per course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Termin

Information for Spring 2026 Start 13 Jan 2026 programme students

Course location

KTH Campus

Duration
13 Jan 2026 - 13 Mar 2026
Periods
P3 (6.0 hp)
Pace of study

50%

Application code

60481

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Places are not limited

Target group

Elective for all programs as long as it can be included in your program, Open for exchange students

Planned modular schedule
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Schedule
Schedule is not published

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus MJ2246 (Autumn 2007–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus MJ2246 (Autumn 2007–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Fundamentals of rocket vehicles: static performance, vehicle acceleration, orbital mechanics, types of rockets. Components of a rocket: performance characteristics, nozzle design. Chemical rocket propellants: performance with chemical equilibrium, non-equilibrium effects, combustion chamber design, hybrid rockets. Rocket engine subsystems: wall cooling, injectors, propellant feed systems, controls.

Projects: calculation of rocket nozzle flow field and calculation of liquid rocket performance with equilibrium chemistry

Intended learning outcomes

To provide an understanding of rocket propulsion systems for both launch and orbital control missions.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

MJ1112 Thermodynamics, 9 hp or corresponding knowledge

SG1220 Fluid mechanics, 6 hp or corresponding knowledge

MJ2429 Turbomachinery, 6 hp or corresponding knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

Basic knowledge in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is necessary

Literature

Hill, P. and Peterson, R. 1992."Mechanics and Thermodynamics or Propulsion".

Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., USA. ISBN 0-201-14659-2. 

George P. Sutton, Oscar Biblarz, 2001“Rocket Propulsion Elements”, 7th Edition John-Wiley & Sons, Ltd., ISBN: 0-471-32642-9 Compedu (www.compedu.net)

Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) - Sweden Department of Energy Technology

Division of Heat and Power Technology

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • ÖVN1 - Home Assignments, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

PRO1 Project 1.5 hp         

TEN1 Examination 3.0 hp       

ÖVN1 Home Assignments 1.5
            

Examiner

Profile picture Björn Laumert

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

ITM/Heat and Power Technology

Main field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle