What type of rocket propellant is commonly used in high-power rocketry?

In high-power rocketry, composite propellant is widely utilized due to its advantageous properties. Composite propellants are a type of solid propellant that typically consist of a mixture of a fuel and an oxidizer, which are combined into a solid form. This allows for efficient storage and handling, as well as a relatively high energy-to-weight ratio compared to some other propellant types.

The formulation of composite propellants can be tailored to optimize performance characteristics, such as burn rate and specific impulse, making them ideal for achieving the necessary thrust and efficiency required in high-power applications. The flexibility in design leads to enhanced performance and reliability during flight operations.

While liquid and solid propellants each have their applications in rocketry, composite propellants bridge the gap between the two, offering benefits such as ease of use, lower complexity in terms of engine design, and reduced risk in terms of handling. This versatility is one reason they are the preferred choice in many high-power rocketry scenarios.