That rocket thrust image though… there are no molecules to cause friction and even though there are no molecules for the trust to "push" against… it's still a release of energy causing a reaction.
And if you watch videos of launches, those jets are fired up assisting with take off… though the rocket sound in the video is more noticeable around 6:50… though there are usually other jets providing escort and cover as the shuttle lands, you can see them in other videos