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Why might designers pick a dense fuel with high density impulse for liftoff?

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  1. It always has the highest specific impulse
  2. It ignites without any oxidizer
  3. It needs smaller tanks, cutting the rocket's dry weight

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References

  1. NASA NTRS, High Density Propellant for Single Stage to Orbit Vehicles ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19770003210/downloads/19770003210.pdf Checked 2026-10-10.

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