RP-1: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

RP-1 is a highly refined form of kerosene similar to jet fuel, used in the United States as a rocket fuel. RP-1 is typically burned with LOX (liquid oxygen) as the oxidizer. Although considerably less powerful than liquid hydrogen, RP-1 can be stored at room temperature and is far more dense (a given volume of RP-1 is significantly more powerful than a similar volume of LH2) and so is more practical for many uses.

RP-1 is a fuel in the first-stage boosters of the Delta and Atlas rockets. It also powered the first stages of the Titan I, Saturn IB and Saturn V.