If the hybrid rocket needs to be shut down in a hurry all you need do is turn off the pump delivering the oxidiser.

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The official said the type of oxidiser container that was found from the first stage of the rocket launch would rarely be used by countries with advanced space technology.

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It is contained within the case of the rocket, into which is pumped a liquid oxidiser called high-test peroxide (HTP), a concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide which is relatively safe to handle.

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The problem came to light when a Propulsion Drive Electronics (PDE) control unit picked up a difference in pressures between the oxidiser and the fuel going through one of the ATV's four "propulsion chains".

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