A vortex hybrid motor, comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a combustion zone comprising a space within the housing configured to receive an oxidizer, the combustion zone comprising an upper zone and a central zone; a fuel core positioned within the housing and configured to react with the oxidizer to thereby create a thrust sufficient to propel at least the vortex hybrid motor, the fuel core defining at least a part of the combustion zone, the fuel core comprising a proximal part and a distal part, the proximal part comprising a proximal surface area, the distal part comprising a first distal surface area and a second distal surface area, the proximal surface area and the first distal surface area separated by the upper zone of the combustion zone, the second distal surface area of the distal part of the fuel core extending between the first distal surface area and a proximal end of a nozzle positioned at the distal end of the housing, the proximal end of the nozzle extending into the distal part of the fuel core such that a distal portion of the fuel core extends around the proximal end of the nozzle, the second distal surface area forming a cylindrical chamber defining the central zone of the combustion zone; a first injection port positioned proximate to the sidewall and configured to deliver a first amount of the oxidizer into the housing in a direction that is approximately tangent to the sidewall; and a second injection port positioned proximate to the proximal end of the housing and configured to deliver a second amount of the oxidizer into a center of the housing. a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a combustion zone comprising a space within the housing configured to receive an oxidizer, the combustion zone comprising an upper zone and a central zone; a fuel core positioned within the housing and configured to react with the oxidizer to thereby create a thrust sufficient to propel at least the vortex hybrid motor, the fuel core defining at least a part of the combustion zone, the fuel core comprising a proximal part and a distal part, the proximal part comprising a proximal surface area, the distal part comprising a first distal surface area and a second distal surface area, the proximal surface area and the first distal surface area separated by the upper zone of the combustion zone, the second distal surface area of the distal part of the fuel core extending between the first distal surface area and a proximal end of a nozzle positioned at the distal end of the housing, the proximal end of the nozzle extending into the distal part of the fuel core such that a distal portion of the fuel core extends around the proximal end of the nozzle, the second distal surface area forming a cylindrical chamber defining the central zone of the combustion zone; a first injection port positioned proximate to the sidewall and configured to deliver a first amount of the oxidizer into the housing in a direction that is approximately tangent to the sidewall; and a second injection port positioned proximate to the proximal end of the housing and configured to deliver a second amount of the oxidizer into a center of the housing.