[GW150914]

Remember, not only do rockets need something to push against, you have to bring that something with you.

Rockets do not need to push against anything... they expel reaction mass out one end ensuring an equal and opposite reaction. Hence the term “reaction mass” in the first place. Rockets would work just as well in a vacuum as in atmosphere, but it is true that you have to carry your fuel with you.

Downvote if you must, but Newton’s third law still exists. ;)

[lgats]

I suppose the rocket is "pushing against" the particles as they are exhausted