Explore the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator
Set fuel, engine efficiency and throttle, launch a rocket and see altitude and speed graphs. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator?
Set fuel, engine efficiency and throttle, launch a rocket and see altitude and speed graphs. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Space agencies use the rocket equation to plan every mission from satellites to Mars.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Thrust = exhaust speed × mass of fuel burned per second.
A rocket lifts off only if thrust > weight.
Δv = vₑ ln(m₀ / m_f) (the rocket equation).
Launch with too little throttle and watch it stay on the pad.
Double the fuel and compare the height reached.
Raise Isp to 450 s.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Double the fuel and compare the height reached. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is specific impulse?
A measure of engine efficiency: the exhaust speed divided by g. Higher Isp means more velocity from the same fuel.
Why do rockets need so much fuel?
The rocket equation is logarithmic: to gain more speed you must carry exponentially more fuel.
Is the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator?
1. In the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator, use the controls to change Fuel mass, Engine efficiency (Isp), Throttle (fuel burn rate), Playback speed. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator, pick an option such as Normal, Fast ×4 to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator, press "Launch!", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Launch with too little throttle and watch it stay on the pad. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Thrust = exhaust speed × mass of fuel burned per second.
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Try the Rocket Thrust & Launch Simulator now
Set fuel, engine efficiency and throttle, launch a rocket and see altitude and speed. Free to use.
Try it free