XPost: sci.physics, sci.space.tech   
   From: joe@strout.net   
      
   In article ,   
    "George Kinley"  wrote:   
      
   > if there is no Atmosphere, where do rockets that go in Space get thrust from   
      
   They expell mass in one direction, which causes them to go in the other   
   direction.  The atmosphere has very little to do with how rockets work;   
   it's just a simple law of physics: every action (force) causes an equal   
   and opposite reaction (counterforce).  The rocket "pushes" on the   
   exhaust gas, causing it to accelerate to a very high velocity; the   
   exhaust gas pushes back on the rocket, causing it to accelerate in the   
   opposite direction (but more slowly, since the rocket has a lot more   
   mass than the exhaust gas -- but that involves a different law).   
      
   When you get into high school physics, you'll learn all about Newton's   
   laws and how things like rockets work.  It's really cool stuff, and it's   
   neat to see you taking an interest in it already -- you'll probably be   
   way ahead of most of the class!   
      
   Best,   
   - Joe   
      
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