Uploaded April 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The paraffin wax used in familiar products like candles and crayons is also what fuels the Peregrine hybrid rocket motor, a revolutionary aerospace engineering project from NASA and Stanford University. Paraffin fuel burns three times faster than conventional fuels, and therefore can provide more thrust and higher performance than existing hybrid rockets. In addition to being non-toxic – which helps make its manufacture and transport cheaper and safer – the paraffin-based fuel works under challenging environmental conditions, such as the very low temperatures found on the surface of Mars. On March 15, 2017, Peregrine successfully passed its final ground test, seen in this video, at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.
Learn more: nasa.gov/feature/ames/from-pedicures-to-the-peregrine-rocket-paraffin-wax-proves-its-worth
Video credit: NASA Ames Research Center
NASA Ames Research Center is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
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The paraffin wax used in familiar products like candles and crayons is also what fuels the Peregrine hybrid rocket motor, a revolutionary aerospace engineering project from NASA and Stanford University. Paraffin fuel burns three times faster than conventional fuels, and therefore can provide more thrust and higher performance than existing hybrid rockets. In addition to being non-toxic – which helps make its manufacture and transport cheaper and safer – the paraffin-based fuel works under challenging environmental conditions, such as the very low temperatures found on the surface of Mars. On March 15, 2017, Peregrine successfully passed its final ground test, seen in this video, at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.
Learn more: nasa.gov/feature/ames/from-pedicures-to-the-peregrine-rocket-paraffin-wax-proves-its-worth
Video credit: NASA Ames Research Center
NASA Ames Research Center is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
facebook.com/nasaames
twitter.com/NASAAmes
instagram.com/nasaames
