How does a staged combustion rocket engine cycle work and what are its advantages?

In staged combustion (preburner) cycles, all propellant passes through preburners that drive turbines before entering the main chamber, maximizing energy extraction. Fuel-rich (RS-25, Raptor) or oxidizer-rich (RD-180) preburners produce turbine drive gas that is then burned completely in the main chamber. Advantages: High chamber pressure (200-300 bar possible), High Isp (450+ seconds for LOX/LH2), All propellant contributes to thrust, and No turbine exhaust dumped overboard. Challenges: Extreme turbopump requirements, High preburner temperatures (oxidizer-rich challenges metallurgy), Complex control, and Development cost. Full-flow staged combustion (Raptor) uses both fuel and oxidizer preburners for maximum efficiency and turbomachinery longevity.