How a 19th-century steam turbine paved the way for modern spaceflight technology

Scott Manley examines a 125-year-old steam turbine from the TS King Edward, the first commercial vessel to use such propulsion. He explores the historical significance of this Victorian-era engineering and draws direct technical parallels to the engines powering modern rockets.

The TS King Edward, launched at the end of the 19th century, operated for decades along the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. Its steam turbine engine represents a critical milestone in mechanical evolution, serving as a precursor to the high-performance propulsion systems used in contemporary space exploration.

By analyzing 1911 technical documentation, Manley highlights how the fundamental principles of early turbine design remain relevant to the development of modern rocket engines. This connection underscores how Victorian-era industrial innovation provided the essential mechanical foundation for the aerospace achievements of the modern age.

Source: How A Victorian Era Engine Made Spaceflight Possible... Let's Look At A 125 Year Old Turbine!