The special feature of hybrid rockets is that hydrogen peroxide is not only used here as a fuel for the turbopump, as is the case with the propulsion of large rockets such as Soyuz, but ensures propulsion of the entire rocket together with a second fuel. Hybrid rockets feature tanks containing liquid oxidizer ‒ highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide ‒ and a combustion chamber containing a solid fuel, such as polyethylene. To achieve the desired thrust, a valve is opened and the liquid fuel is forced into the combustion chamber via a catalyst. There, the liquid fuel reacts with the solid fuel and provides the necessary thrust.
The advantage of using these substances is that there is no risk of explosion during storage and operation. They are also easy to handle and more environmentally compatible than conventional fuels.
