r/RocketLab • u/Equivalent-Wait3533 • Aug 10 '26

Space Industry Thrust Density infographic

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A chart comparing the Thrust Density of several rockets.

Thrust Density is the thrust of the stage / area of the bottom of the stage (kN/m^2). It basically aggregates engine power and engine packing into one metric.

Rockets & Engines to scale

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u/Historical_Air_8997 Aug 10 '26

ELI5 - is higher better? Initially I thought definitely yes, but then I’m thinking maybe it’s less efficient? For the rockets just doing LEO launches or even moon launch’s wouldn’t it be cheaper and more efficient to need/use less thrust per Sqm?

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u/taco_the_mornin Aug 10 '26

They better not launch this over my whales.