Nitrous Oxide (N2O) (N₂O) is a self-pressurizing oxidizer propellant used as a oxidizer. Self-pressurizing, storable in pressure vessels at room temperature. Typical ISP: 200–250 s (with HTPB hybrid) seconds.
Nitrous oxide is a self-pressurizing oxidizer that decomposes exothermically, making it attractive for hybrid and small rocket motors. It can be stored as a liquid at moderate pressure without cryogenic cooling. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo uses N₂O with HTPB in a hybrid motor, and it is popular in amateur rocketry for its relative safety and availability.
Used in hybrid rockets since the 1990s. Gained prominence with SpaceShipOne’s Ansari X Prize victory in 2004.
Self-pressurizing (no pressurant system needed), safe handling, widely available, non-toxic
Low performance, can decompose explosively in pure form, heavy tanks for pressure containment
