Liquid Fluorine (F₂) is a cryogenic oxidizer propellant used as a oxidizer. Cryogenic, extremely difficult to store. Typical ISP: 400–480 s (with hydrogen) seconds.
Liquid fluorine is the most powerful chemical oxidizer known, producing the highest theoretical specific impulse when paired with hydrogen. However, its extreme toxicity, corrosiveness, and reactivity with nearly all materials make it impractical for operational use. Fluorine reacts violently with water, most metals, and organic materials, and its exhaust products (HF) are extremely toxic.
Tested extensively in the 1950s-60s by the US Air Force and NASA. Never adopted operationally due to extreme handling danger. Nicknamed “the devil’s oxidizer.”
Highest performance oxidizer, excellent theoretical Isp
Lethally toxic, reacts with everything, corrosive to most materials, toxic exhaust (HF)
