Chemical reactivity space is vast, even for a single synthetic transformation, with permutations of possible substrate structures, catalysts, and reaction conditions soon proliferating … They can be highly reactive to other chemicals or environments. Obviously, concentrations are low and that means that components are not likely to encounter each other, low reaction speeds may result. Maybe you’ve seen rust on a car or bicycle when iron is oxidized to form iron oxide. Chemical reactions thought to be impossible in space because of the extremely low temperatures there are actually happening often. New research has revealed that chemical reactions previously thought to be ‘impossible’ in space actually occur ‘with vigor,’ a discovery that could ultimately change our understanding of how alcohols are formed and destroyed in space – and which could also mean that places like Saturn ’s moon Titan, once considered too cold for life to form, may have a shortcut for biochemical reactions. Several of our activities at camp involved showcasing the chemistry of various objects in the solar system, some of which we describe below.

It is more likely to get a reaction if it starts from a single component. Rocket propulsion follows Newton’s Third Law, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

To get a rocket off the launch pad, create a chemical reaction that shoots gas and particles out one end of the rocket and the rocket will go the other way.
Chemistry is at the heart of making rockets fly. Astrochemistry is the study of the abundance and reactions of molecules in the Universe, and their interaction with radiation. Figure 2 - Emission spectra of 5 elements There is no difference in the nature of chemical reactions on earth or in space.

Imagine if you spent years designing a spacecraft only to have it be covered in rust when it arrived at its destination.