There are multiple types of propulsion, however, the two most common main types of propulsion are:

- Chemical propulsion, which involves the combustion or chemical reaction of substances such as fuels and oxidizers to generate thrust, commonly used in rockets, jet engines, and internal combustion engines.

- Non-chemical propulsion, which does not rely on chemical reactions, but rather uses other means to produce thrust, such as electric motors in electric propulsion systems, solar sails, ion drives, and nuclear thermal propulsion.