The second and third test launches of the Russian "Soyuz-5" rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome will take place in 2027 and 2028. Initially, the second launch could have occurred in 2026, but the dates are likely to be postponed. This was announced by cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov, representing the joint Kazakh-Russian enterprise that is implementing the "Baiterek" rocket complex project.
The first launch of "Soyuz-5" took place on April 30, 2026. The rocket successfully reached its intended trajectory. Initially, this launch was planned for 2025, but preparations took longer due to the need to resolve safety issues. As Aimbetov noted, the main task was to ensure the high-quality execution of the entire test program, and not just to launch the rocket into space.
Based on the results of the first flight, it can be said that the tasks set for it have been accomplished. The control system worked, and the ground infrastructure showed readiness. This provides the necessary basis for moving on to the next stages of testing.
The first launch was just the beginning of a large test program. The second and third flights will address different tasks, and the successful start confirmed the operability of the created system.
According to the project representative, there is already interest in launches with such a rocket. Potential customers are present in the external market, where there is demand for such services. As Aimbetov noted, there are currently not enough such launch vehicles, so the appearance of "Soyuz-5" may coincide with an increase in the need for such launches.
The "Baiterek" project is being implemented by Russia and Kazakhstan at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It uses a Russian-made medium-class launch vehicle designed to deliver automatic spacecraft to various near-Earth orbits, including with the help of upper stages.
About the "Soyuz-5" rocket
"Soyuz-5" belongs to the medium-class rockets. It is designed to deliver up to 17 tons of payload to low Earth orbit. The rocket can be used to launch automatic spacecraft into various orbits, including with the help of the "Fregat" family of upper stages.
The first stage of "Soyuz-5" is equipped with the RD-171MV engine, and the second stage with the RD-0124MS. The RD-171MV is considered the most powerful liquid-propellant rocket engine in the world.
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