American scientists have created a biofuel for rockets

A group of scientists from Georgia Institute of Technology produced the biological rocket fuel using genetically modified E. Coli bacteria that can produce pinene. This hydrocarbon, which in the future may replace the highly reactive rocket fuel JP-10, used in many supersonic aircraft and missiles, according to Gizmodo.

The researchers added enzymes from tree bark in the bacterial environment to get microorganisms for the production of pinene. This substance is as effective as rocket fuel, but has a much higher density. Thus, the tanks hold more fuel, which increases the capabilities of devices.



Until full transfer of all missiles and jets for biofuels is still far away: now the bacteria can only produce 32 milligrams of pinene liter of glucose, which they eat. In the future, the researchers plan to increase the efficiency of the bacteria, and they do not have to achieve a particularly low price for biofuels. Rocket gasoline is now sold at $ 25 per gallon, so any fuel at least a dollar cheaper already will appeal to the consumer.

Source: energysafe.ru