Difference between Rocket and a Missile?
In this article, we will discuss the exact differences and similarities between a rocket and a missile. We will consider different aspects like their principle, usage, constructions, guidance etc. Let’s get started.
Rockets and missiles are both vehicles that use rocket propulsion to move through the air and space.
They have similar fundamental designs, but their purposes, control mechanisms, speed, cost, and types vary significantly.
Rocket Vs Missile: Speed
1. Rockets: Rockets' speeds vary depending on their intended use. For instance, the space rockets, like the ones used by NASA or SpaceX, must reach a minimum speed of about 7.9 kilometers per second (28,200 kilometers per hour), known as "escape velocity," to overcome Earth's gravity and reach space.
2. Missiles: Missiles' speeds also differ based on the type. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can reach speeds up to 7 kilometers per second (25,200 kilometers per hour). Some hypersonic missiles can exceed Mach 5 (6,174 kilometers per hour), which is five times the speed of sound.
Mechanical Aspects of Construction
1. Rockets: Rockets are typically larger and more complex than missiles. They need to be built to withstand harsh conditions in space and the immense pressure during liftoff.
The primary parts of a rocket include the engine, fuel tanks, guidance system, payload (cargo, astronauts, satellites, etc.), and often multiple stages to help reach desired speeds and altitudes.
2. Missiles: Missiles, on the other hand, are smaller, lighter, and designed for specific targets.
They typically consist of a warhead (the explosive part), guidance system, and a propulsion system. The construction of a missile is also influenced by its type, whether it's a cruise missile, ballistic missile, or anti-aircraft missile.
Cost of Construction and Maintenance
1. Rockets: Given their larger size, complexity, and the technologies used, rockets tend to be significantly more expensive than missiles.
For example, launching a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket costs about $62 million as of 2021.
2. Missiles: Missiles are cheaper, but the cost still varies greatly depending on the type and range. For example, a Tomahawk cruise missile cost approximately $1.59 million as of 2021.
Guidance
1. Rockets: Rockets intended for space travel use onboard computer systems for guidance. The flight path is pre-programmed and adjusted in real-time via ground-based tracking stations.
2. Missiles: Missiles employ various guidance systems depending on their type. Some use inertial guidance, GPS, radar homing, or a combination of these. They can be programmed to follow a predetermined path or actively guided to hit a moving target.
Types and Specific Uses
1. Rockets: Rockets can be divided into several types, such as space rockets, firework rockets, and research rockets. Space rockets are used to send satellites, probes, and humans into space.
Firework rockets are used for entertainment, and research rockets (also known as sounding rockets) are used for scientific experiments and upper-atmospheric tests.
2. Missiles: Missiles can be classified as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and anti-ship missiles, among others. They're mainly used in military operations for attack or defense.
Cruise missiles are used for precision strikes, ballistic missiles for long-range targets, anti-aircraft missiles to destroy enemy aircraft, and anti-ship missiles to target enemy naval vessels.
Summary: Rockets Vs Missiles
In summary, rockets and missiles share the same basic propulsion principles but differ in their speed, construction, cost, guidance systems, and specific uses.
Rockets, with their robust structure and advanced technology, are used for space exploration, scientific research, and entertainment.
Missiles, although simpler, are versatile tools for various military applications, boasting a range of guidance systems and types.
I hope this makes the difference between rockets and missiles very clear. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. I will be happy to answer them for you.
Replies
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Jeffrey Arulraj
Rockets and missiles use almost the same tech But Missiles are for horizontal travelling of load and Rockets are for vertical traversal of Pay loadanjali zendrewhat are difference have between rockets and missiles? -
anjali zendrethanks for reply...
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Ramani AswathA rocket has on board power. A missile may be ballistic like a thrown stone, arrow, javelin or a bullet.
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Kaustubh KatdareLet's say, a missile may be powered by a rocket, but not always. A rocket is a self propelled system. Missiles are typically equipped with explosives and are used in military.
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anjali zendrethanks friend...for reply.
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anjali zendrei also have found few lines..
bomb is a explosive.
if we attach any type of propulsion system to a bomb is called rocket.
if a guiding and control mechanism is attached to a rocket, it become a missile. -
anjali zendreand one more difference is..
rocket content oxidizer in it's fuel chamber.
but missile have atmospheric air as a oxidizer. -
Ramani Aswath
Not quite.anjali zendrei also have found few lines..
bomb is a explosive.
if we attach any type of propulsion system to a bomb is called rocket.
if a guiding and control mechanism is attached to a rocket, it become a missile.
A rocket is a device that works on Newton's third law of motion. It does not have to have a bomb on it.
A stone thrown at a dog (or a frying pan at a husband) is a missile. A guided missile like the Patriot missile will have a rocket and a control system.
Here is some info on a huge rocket under development at NASA. There is no bomb on it.
Sorry. This got left out.
NASA's Huge New SLS Rocket Could Power Missions Far Beyond Mars | Space
Guided missiles have built in oxidisers. -
anjali zendrethanks for your reply sir..
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Chinu1
Thank you so much for this useful advise....bioramaniNot quite.
A rocket is a device that works on Newton's third law of motion. It does not have to have a bomb on it.
A stone thrown at a dog (or a frying pan at a husband) is a missile. A guided missile like the Patriot missile will have a rocket and a control system.
Here is some info on a huge rocket under development at NASA. There is no bomb on it.
Sorry. This got left out.
NASA's Huge New SLS Rocket Could Power Missions Far Beyond Mars | Space
Guided missiles have built in oxidisers. -
PuneetVermaRocket works on principle of Newtons third law of motion - action and reaction. Technically you may say propulsion. Hot gas from burnt fuel are exhausted downwards and give propulsive force to rocket so that it can attain some height and takes off fiercely.
Missile in somewhat related to Projectile. -
vamsi kancharlaA rocket is a means of propulsion defined by having entirely self-contained propellant (unlike a jet engine, that burns fuel using air from the atmosphere). You could use for various purposes (firework, spacecraft, weapon, etc).A missile is specifically a weapon (which may or may not be driven by a rocket - for instance, the WW2 V2 ballistic missile was driven by a rocket, but its precursor the V1 was powered by a jet engine).
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Ramani AswathA bullet from a gun or an arrow from a bow are ballistic missiles but not powered.
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atul-namdeothankz sir for reply.. giving such knowledge
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