Combustion is produced by the reaction of oxygen and some sort of fuel at high temperatures. ... Because high explosives do not require oxygen (or any other co-reactant), they break down much more rapidly and are much more versatile than combustible materials.

Can you have an explosion without oxygen?

Many astronomical objects such as novae, supernovae and black hole mergers are known to catastrophically 'explode'. ... But as long as the explosion doesn't require oxygen, then it will work in much the same way in space as on Earth.

Is oxygen used in explosive?

Many serious accidents have been caused by using oxygen instead of other gases such as air, compressed air or nitrogen. Oxygen can react explosively with oils and greases. People have been injured or even killed when pumps, engines, tyres and pressure equipment have been blown apart by the explosion.