The first launch of the new Russian light-class rocket "Start-1M" from the Vostochny Cosmodrome will take place in 2027. This was announced by Alexey Davydov, Deputy Director of the Department — Head of the Department of Reusable Launch Vehicles of Roscosmos, at the "Team of the Future" forum at the Moscow Aviation Institute.
The rocket is being developed by the private company "New Start" with the support of non-state funding. "Start-1M" is being created as a conversion rocket based on the intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol". According to Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, the rocket will be able to put a payload of up to 500 kilograms into low Earth orbit.
Earlier it was reported that the start of flight design tests of the Start-1M rocket was scheduled for 2026. This was stated in the rocket and space industry.
The Start-1 rocket, the predecessor of the Start-1M, was also created on the basis of the Topol platform. Between 1993 and 2006, 7 successful launches were carried out: two from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome and five from the Svobodny Cosmodrome, which is now part of Vostochny. For new launches at Vostochny, it is planned to equip a third launch pad, designed specifically for light rockets.
