Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering is developing hybrid rocket technology since 2006. All systems to date utilize nitrous oxide as the oxidizer and sorbitol-based fuels. Development of hybrid propulsion systems in DARE started with the Satinê engine featuring a unique tube-and-rod design and an aerospike nozzle. Even though the Satinê engine was never fired, it was an interesting concept and boosted the interest in hybrid propulsion within DARE.
In 2010 project DAWN was initiated in order to provide the future Stratos II rocket with a simple and easy-to-use hybrid propulsion system that would pose as an alternative to the then favored 2-stage solid propellant concept. By 2013 this development had resulted in over 30 static test fires of the labscale motor and 2 flights of the “Morning Star” rocket derived thereof.
Currently all hybrid rocket technology development is focused on the Stratos II motor, the “DHX-200 Aurora”. It is derived from the “Morning Star” technology and has been tested in 10 static test firings between 5 and 25 seconds at test facilities of TNO Rijswijk and DLR standort Trauen.