Understanding the Barriers to Hybrid Control

Abstract

Hybrid rockets combine a solid fuel with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer, offering a balance of safety, simplicity, and throttleability not found in solid or liquid systems. Their modular design and low cost make them attractive for academic, commercial, and small-space applications. However, challenges in dynamic control—such as O/F shift, delayed system response, and variable injector behavior—limit their precision and practical use in responsive missions