Russia will conduct the first launch of the new «Soyuz-5» rocket by the end of 2025. The cosmodrome for the launch has not yet been named, but it is possible that it will be Baikonur.
This was revealed after an interview with RIA «Novosti» by Dmitry Baranov, General Director of RCC «Progress». According to Baranov, the rocket is currently being assembled in parts: some parts are already ready for mass production, while others are not.
The first stage engine has already been manufactured and delivered to us, as well as part of the onboard equipment sets. The manufacturing of tanks and compartments for the launch vehicle is underway. Most of the elements for assembling and welding the tanks have been manufactured. We plan to deliver the rocket to the cosmodrome in the third quarter of next year. The first launch of the launch vehicle is scheduled for the end of 2025. We hope that all the ground infrastructure will be ready by then.
There are interested parties in the «Soyuz-5», not only government but also private customers. In general, "it is planned to promote this rocket on the international launch services market" and the Russian side is ready to "increase the production of Soyuz-5 in accordance with the plans of commercial customers".
«Soyuz-5»
A promising Russian two-stage medium-class launch vehicle. It will be able to launch spacecraft into sun-synchronous, highly elliptical, geotransfer, and geostationary orbits, including with the use of an upper stage.
For it, NPO «Energomash» has developed a special separate engine RD-171MV. Its uniqueness lies in its high thrust, which should exceed 800 tons, making the RD-171MV the most powerful engine in the world. The engine can put up to 17 tons of cargo into a reference orbit. Kerosene and oxygen are used as fuel components in the RD-171MV.
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