A launcher (10) is provided having a separation unit (15) and a launch tube (16) in fluid communication with the separation unit (15). The separation unit (15) has a pressure sensing chamber (23) for sensing the pressure within the separation unit (15), a separation chamber (24) in fluid communication with the pressure sensing chamber (23), and a combustion chamber (26) in fluid communication with the separation chamber (24). The combustion chamber (26) is in fluid communication with the launch tube (16) through opening (28). The rocket launcher (10) also includes a hydrogen separation circuit (21) and an ignition circuit (22). The hydrogen separation circuit (21) includes a battery pack (44) electrically coupled to a fuel cell (45) which when powered separates water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The ignition circuit (22) includes a piezoelectric spark generator (61) for igniting the hydrogen gas produced by the fuel cell and contained within the combustion.