Which components make up a basic propulsion system?

A basic propulsion system fundamentally consists of a rocket motor and an igniter. The rocket motor is responsible for generating thrust, which propels the vehicle. It contains the propellant—a combination of fuel and oxidizer—where the combustion process takes place to produce exhaust gases. The igniter plays a crucial role in initiating this combustion process by providing the necessary energy to ignite the propellant. This combination is essential for the functioning of any rocket or missile propulsion system, as without the igniter, the propellant would not ignite, and the rocket motor would not produce thrust.

While the other options mention components related to propulsion, they do not adequately represent the core elements necessary for propulsion to occur. Propellant and stabilizers, for example, refer to different aspects of the system; stabilizers help maintain aerodynamic stability rather than contributing directly to propulsion. Fuel tanks and nozzles are associated with propulsion, but they describe components involved in the storage and direction of propellant flow rather than the propulsion mechanism itself. Thus, the selected choice highlights the primary components that facilitate thrust generation in a basic propulsion system.