Rockets Powered by Both Solid and Liquid Fuel - A Brief Guide
In the ever-evolving world of space exploration, a new player is emerging in the small satellite launch market – hybrid rocket engines. These engines, which combine the advantages of solid and liquid rocket motors, are being developed by various companies to offer a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional launch vehicles.
One of the pioneers in this field is TiSpace, a Taiwanese aerospace company that has developed a family of hybrid rocket engines called Lelien. Their plan is to develop an orbital launch vehicle, HAPITH V, capable of delivering up to 390 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using these engines.
Another player making waves is VAYA Space, an American company that has developed the STAR-3D hybrid engine. Their Dauntless small satellite launcher, scheduled for commercial launches as early as 2025, will utilize the STAR-3D engines in both stages. Each rocket motor produces 21.6 kN thrust.
Meanwhile, HyPrSpace, a French aerospace startup, is developing the Orbital Baguette (OB-1), a micro-launcher capable of delivering 200-250 kg payloads to LEO. The OB-1 is scheduled for its maiden launch in 2026.
However, the development of large hybrid orbital rockets faces challenges, particularly the need for turbopumps to achieve high flow rates and pressurization of the oxidizer. This complexity, along with limited performance, safety concerns, and potential for oxidizer leaks, are some of the disadvantages of hybrid rocket motors.
Despite these challenges, the market potential for small lift launch vehicles using hybrid rocket engines is promising. The overall reusable launch vehicle market, which includes small launch vehicles, is projected to grow robustly from about USD 4.77 billion in 2025 to USD 10.56 billion by 2032. This expanding market creates opportunities for innovative small launchers, including those with hybrid engines.
The niche market for small lift vehicles is attractive for on-demand, lower-cost launches. Companies like MaiaSpace emphasize that reusability and affordability will be key to competing with rideshare options on larger rockets. However, significant competition from more established players and larger vehicles offering economies of scale means that hybrid-powered small launchers must demonstrate clear operational and economic benefits to capture market share.
Other companies currently focused on the development of commercial hybrid rocket engines include Firehawk Aerospace and Pulsar Fusion. Reaction Dynamics, with their two-stage orbital launch vehicle called Aurora, is also a player to watch. Although the status of Reaction Dynamics is uncertain, their aim is to offer launches at a price point between $30,000 and $50,000 per kilogram to LEO.
However, the path to commercial success is not without hurdles. For instance, Gilmour Space's ERIS orbital launch vehicle, which uses hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer and a proprietary solid fuel, has yet to conduct a successful launch. Similarly, Reaction Dynamics' HAPITH I suborbital test rocket suffered an anomaly and fire during the final attempt in 2019.
Despite these setbacks, the potential benefits of hybrid rocket engines are clear. They offer several advantages, including safety, controllability, restartability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. As these engines continue to evolve and mature, they could revolutionize the small satellite launch market.
In the race to space, hybrid rocket engines are proving to be a promising contender, offering a potential solution to the demand for frequent, affordable, and flexible access to space. As more companies invest in this technology, we can expect to see more launches using hybrid rocket engines in the coming years.
- The development of new space technologies, such as hybrid rocket engines, is driving innovation in the aerospace industry, particularly in the small satellite launch market.
- Science and manufacturing sectors are contributing significantly to the research and development of hybrid rocket engines for commercial space applications.
- Space exploration and the space economy are set to experience a transformation as companies like TiSpace, VAYA Space, HyPrSpace, and MaiaSpace bring their hybrid-powered launch vehicles to market.
- The finance industry is closely watching the growth potential of the reusable launch vehicle market, which could reach USD 10.56 billion by 2032, creating opportunities for hybrid-powered small launchers like Firehawk Aerospace, Pulsar Fusion, and Reaction Dynamics.
- Space-and-astronomy enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of hybrid-powered rockets, as these engines offer advantages like safety, controllability, and environmental friendliness, potentially revolutionizing the small satellite launch market.
