Powerplants

Rocket Engines

Thrust, specific impulse, and engine cycles for every powerplant ever flown.

24 engines6 engine cycles16 active

24 engines

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

2,647 kN (595,000 lbf) kNISP 330 ssLiquid Methane (CH₄)

ISRO (LIQUID PROPULSION SYSTEMS CENTRE)

200 kN (44,960 lbf) kNISP 443 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

7,740 kN (1,740,100 lbf) kNISP 304 ssRP-1

ARIANEGROUP (SEP/SNECMA)

64.8 kN (14,570 lbf) kNISP 446 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

1,033 kN (232,250 lbf) kNISP 421 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (MHI)

Staged Combustion

1,098 kN (246,800 lbf) kNISP 440 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

981 kN (220,500 lbf) kNISP 311 ssRP-1

Merlin 1D Vacuum

981 kN (220,500 lbf) kNISP 348 ssRP-1

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

1,680 kN (378,000 lbf) kNISP 331 ssRP-1

Full-Flow Staged Combustion

2,500 kN (562,000 lbf) kNISP 350 ssLiquid Methane (CH₄)

Full-Flow Staged Combustion

2,700 kN (607,000 lbf) kNISP 355 ssLiquid Methane (CH₄)

Full-Flow Staged Combustion

2,560 kN (575,000 lbf) kNISP 380 ssLiquid Methane (CH₄)

KBKHA (CHEMICAL AUTOMATICS DESIGN BUREAU)

Staged Combustion

294 kN (66,100 lbf) kNISP 359 ssRP-1

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

7,904 kN (1,777,000 lbf) kNISP 337 ssRP-1

Active (limited stock)

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

4,152 kN (933,400 lbf) kNISP 338 ssRP-1

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

2,090 kN (469,500 lbf) kNISP 337 ssRP-1

AEROJET ROCKETDYNE

110 kN (24,729 lbf) kNISP 465.5 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

AEROJET ROCKETDYNE

Staged Combustion

2,279 kN (512,300 lbf) at 109% kNISP 452 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

Retired (with Delta IV)

AEROJET ROCKETDYNE

3,560 kN (800,000 lbf) kNISP 412 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

Electric Pump-Fed

25.8 kN (5,800 lbf) kNISP 343 s (vacuum variant)sRP-1

ISRO (LIQUID PROPULSION SYSTEMS CENTRE)

766 kN (172,200 lbf) kNISP 293 ssUDMH

180 kN (40,500 lbf) kNISP 457 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

Retired (with Ariane 5)

1,359 kN (305,500 lbf) kNISP 434 ssLiquid Hydrogen (LH₂)

CASC (ACADEMY OF AEROSPACE LIQUID PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY)

Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion

1,340 kN (301,000 lbf) kNISP 335 ssRP-1

Explore every rocket engine tracked on Space Launch Live. From the legendary Rocketdyne F-1 that powered Apollo to the Moon, to SpaceX’s full-flow staged combustion Raptor engine, to Blue Origin’s BE-4 — browse thrust specifications, specific impulse ratings, propulsion cycles, propellant combinations, and performance data. Space Launch Live tracks engine manufacturers, development status, throttle capabilities, restart capability, and the vehicles each engine powers.

The Powerplants of Spaceflight

Explore detailed specifications for every rocket engine from the Merlin and Raptor to the F-1 and RS-25. Compare thrust, specific impulse, propellant types, and engine cycles across every major launch vehicle manufacturer.

Browse the complete rocket launch archive →