- Small rockets, such as those used for launching satellites into low Earth orbit, may have fuel consumption rates on the order of a few pounds (a few kilograms) of propellant per second.
- Medium-sized rockets, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9, can consume several hundred pounds (a few hundred kilograms) of propellant per second during their ascent to orbit.
- Heavy-lift rockets, such as the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) or the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, can have fuel consumption rates of several tons (several thousand kilograms) of propellant per second during their initial ascent phase.
It's worth noting that fuel consumption rates can also vary significantly within the same rocket, depending on the stage of flight. For instance, rockets often throttle back their engines as they approach orbit, reducing their fuel consumption rate. Additionally, the efficiency of rocket engines also plays a role, with some engines being more efficient than others at converting fuel into thrust.
Overall, the fuel consumption rates of rockets depend on a number of factors and can vary significantly depending on the specific rocket design and mission requirements.
