The successful March 25 ground test of the Peregrine hybrid rocket, which uses a new fuel comprised of laughing gas and the same ingredient found in crayons.
(NASA)
In what may come as a surprise, a new rocket fuel invented by NASA and Stanford University is made from laughing gas and an ingredient found in crayons.
According to a NASA , the fuel, which passed its final ground test March 25, is composed of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and paraffin wax, the ingredient found in crayons.
The fuel can thrust a rocket into space three times faster than traditional fuels and is unique because it offers a stable combustion system. It's also non-toxic, making it easier and safer to transport.
Scientists say it may be an ideal fuel because it is less explosive and works well under cold conditions, making it ideal for missions on Mars.
With the successful test of the fuel on thePeregrin hybrid rocket last month, NASA is now eager to test the paraffin fuel on the , which is , notes inverse.com. The hope is the analysis of the planet's surface provided by samples from the MAV will provide insight that will allow humans to one day live on Mars.
Later this year, the fuel will be tested on a Peregrine rocket launch at NASA'sWallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Fueled by crayons and laughing gas, one would assume it will be the happiest rocket ever launched into space.