Hybrid rocket propulsion: state of the art and perspectives for space activities applications

Ballistic characterization of solid fuels for hybrid rocket propulsion was performed in a lab-scale burner. An optical time-resolved technique was used to assess the quasi-steady regression history of single perforation, cylindrical fuel samples. The effects of metallized additives and radiant heat transfer on the regression rate of such formulations were assessed. Under the investigated operating conditions, comparative analyses of the collected experimental data show an appreciable influence of metal hydrides and properly coated selected metals on ballistic properties. A specific application for active space debris removal is shortly discussed.