Rockets and human power: Overview
Transport's two extremes: rockets to orbit and pedal power
Transport's two extremes: rockets to orbit and pedal power What this tile covers The two extremes of transport energy: chemical rockets and muscle-powered bicycles. Share of use 0% share of final energy use (2025)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Rocket propellant is negligible next to about 435 EJ of world final energy (well below 0.001%), and human muscle power is not counted in energy statistics. Treated as 0.
Key facts
| Chain | Chemical (propellant) → heat → exhaust thrust |
Included from the reference tables
- Rocket
- Bicycle and human power
Also in Transport systems
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