What is the source of nitrogen oxides ($ ext{NO}_x$) produced during rocket combustion?
Answer
Atmospheric nitrogen is oxidized by the extreme heat of the engine, regardless of the fuel used.
Nitrogen oxides ($ ext{NO}_x$) are a byproduct of high-temperature combustion because the extreme heat oxidizes atmospheric nitrogen present in the air intake, occurring irrespective of the primary propellant being burned.
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