Multistage rocket
= Multistage rocket
A rocket discards exhausted stages, reducing the <mass> accelerated by later burns. Apply the <rocket equation> separately to each burn and add the signed <velocity> increments. Ideal jettison with no relative impulse leaves <velocity> continuous; it changes the mass ratio available to subsequent burns. Dry-stage mass must not be counted as propellant expelled at the <rocket exhaust speed>.