Astronomy and Space

Hypergolic propellant

A hypergolic propellant is a rocket propellant whose components spontaneously ignite upon contact with one another. In contemporary usage, the term typically refers to the combination of dinitrogen tetroxide (an oxidizer) and one of the various forms of hydrazine (a fuel). Advantages of hypergolic propellants include their ability to be stored at room temperature and their ability to be reliably and repeatedly ignited without a separate ignition system. Unlike many liquid-fueled rockets that use cryogenic fuels or oxidizers stored at very low temperatures, hypergolic propellants can remain loaded in a vehicle for extended periods before launch. These characteristics led to their use in early intercontinental ballistic missiles and in upper stages of launch vehicles that require multiple engine restarts. However, hypergolic propellants are difficult to handle because of their high toxicity and corrosiveness. In later decades, many ICBMs transitioned to advanced solid-propellant rocket motors.

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See also

• ▸Aquarius (constellation)
• ▸Geology of Ivory Coast
• ▸1969 in spaceflight

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