C4.4 Future of Micro Launchers using Hybrid Rocket Propulsion
Symposium: C4. IAF SPACE PROPULSION SYMPOSIUM
Session: 4. Solid and Hybrid Propulsion (2)
Day: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Time: 10:15 GMT+3
Room: Hall 7
Space exploration has always been done with heavy-launchers (or space shuttles) up until now. The Saturn V, the Space Shuttle, and modern giants like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 were built on a simple economic principle: build it massive, pack it full, and spread the staggering cost across thousands of kilograms of cargo. However, a new approach has developed for rocket industry in recent years. Micro-launchers; targeting payloads under/around 1,000 kg. Micro-launchers are more expensive per kilogram, but they fly exactly when and where the customer needs them to go. It means, manufacturing capability, operation feasibility and safety are key advantages of micro (or sometimes small) launchers compared to commercial systems such as Falcon 9. For example, Electron rocket from RocketLab is 20 meter length while Falcon 9 is 70 meters. But, RocketLab costs around $20k per kg to LEO, while Falcon 9 only costs $3k per kg to LEO. Therefore the objective of this keynote is to focus major differences in both systems in rocket industry. In addition, the keynote proposes usage of Hybrid Rocket Propulsion for micro-launchers to reduce the launch cost that we experience in Electron Rocket (RocketLab) example. The keynote will first summarize operational rocket companies (launchers) including their performance and cost factors. Then, the keynote will provide advantages (and disadvantages) of hybrid rocket propulsion. In addition, the keynote will provide an insight on “How the launch cost can be reduced if hybrid rockets are used instead of liquid engines?”. All practical advantages of hybrid propulsion will be included in this keynote. The keynote also aims to address different applications of hybrid rocket propulsion such as defense, in-space, and planetary missions. The keynote objectives to unite propulsion community at the IAC2026 pointing all scientific and engineering aspects of Hybrid rockets.