The year 2028 will be crucial for the development of domestic cosmonautics, when Russia plans to launch the first prototype of a returnable first stage rocket. This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
He reminded that the technical specifications for the rocket were approved back in 2025.
The launch and landing of the experimental model should take place in 2028. This is a very important step.
In his statement, Manturov is talking about the Amur-SPG methane rocket — the first real attempt to catch up with SpaceX in terms of launch costs.
For a long time, Russia relied on reliable but disposable Soyuz rockets, but in the new project, the use of methane instead of kerosene makes the engines more durable and suitable for multiple uses.
In addition to the USA and Russia, the project of reusable rockets is being developed in China, India and Europe, but it has not yet reached orbital flights there.
Interestingly, literally in January 2026, Roscosmos stated that "Amur-SPG" will fly at least in 2030, but the deadlines shifted not to the right, but to the left.
Earlier www1.ru reported that a universal control system is almost ready for the new Russian Amur-SPG launch vehicle.
