May 8th, 2013, 04:30
SSTwo is fuelled by a mixutre of Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and Nitrous Oxide, HTPB is a translucent liquid (and the Butadiene element is a monomer in the production of Synthetic rubber) and though highly viscous is tricky to ignite, needing temperatures of over 700 Degrees Kelvin...; tC=tK-273.5 (Simple Physics equation opposite of converting Celsius TO Kelvin, tK=tC+273.5) means to ignite it requires a pre-charge of about 426.85 Degrees Celsius to start the chain reaction going... that first flame is the RM2 Control System on the SS2, which is used to open the oxidisers and fires an ignition charge....