Space: The Late-Starting Rocket

For years, the loudest noises in the aerospace business have been the rumble of liquid-fueled boosters blasting spacecraft into orbit, the sharper roar of solid-fuel military missiles climbing into their long trajectories, and the continuing, wordy battles between the promoters of each type. Now, back of the racket, can be heard the insistent voice of still another competitor in the rocketry race—the hybrid that manufactures its power by combining liquid oxidant with solid fuel. Detractors may scoff that the hybrid combines all the dangers and difficulties of both solids and liquids....