Liquid Methane (CH4) (CH₄) is a cryogenic fuel propellant used as a fuel. Cryogenic but warmer than LH2, easier to handle. Typical ISP: 330–380 s (with LOX) seconds.
Liquid methane is an emerging rocket fuel that offers a compelling balance between the high density of kerosene and the high performance of hydrogen. It burns cleanly with no coking, enabling full engine reusability, and can potentially be manufactured on Mars from atmospheric CO₂. Methane-LOX engines are the focus of next-generation vehicles from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others.
Studied since the 1960s but only reached flight hardware in the 2020s with SpaceX Raptor and Blue Origin BE-4.
Good Isp, better density than LH2, clean combustion (no coking), ISRU potential on Mars, self-pressurizing
Lower Isp than hydrogen, cryogenic handling required, lower density than RP-1
