Rocketry principle · Δv = vₑ ln(m₀ / m_f)
The Tsiolkovsky Rocket Equation
The founding relation of astronautics, derived by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in 1903: the velocity change a rocket can achieve equals its exhaust velocity times the natural logarithm of the ratio of its starting mass to its empty mass. Because the mass ratio enters logarithmically, reaching high Δv demands either very high exhaust velocity or an impractically large fraction of propellant — the 'tyranny' that shapes every mission design.
Highlights
- ›Δv = vₑ ln(m₀/m_f) — the equation behind every launch
Hardware & related concepts
Across space engineering
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Delta-v Budget
- Associated withSpecific Impulse
- Associated withRocket Staging
- Associated withSpecific Impulse
- Associated withThe Delta-v Budget
- Associated withRocket Staging
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.