Archive photo
The Progress Rocket and Space Center (RSC) (part of Roskosmos) has suspended the creation of the Yenisei super-heavy rocket and is delaying the development of the Amur-LNG medium reusable rocket, RIA Novosti reports a statement from the company's CEO Dmitry Baranov.
The leader noted that “it is possible to correct the technical appearance of the [super-heavy] rocket.” “We are ready to continue working after the relevant decision is made. I think this is a matter of several months, I would say, until the middle of this year, ”explained the CEO.
According to Baranov, the preliminary design of the medium carrier, which should operate on oxygen-methane fuel steam, has been completed by about 95 percent. “Now we are doing some work on the errors, because the launch vehicle is completely new. I think that sometime in the third quarter of this year, preliminary design will be completed, ”said the head.
According to Baranov, the American company SpaceX could use non-market mechanisms to promote its own launch services. The general director of the Progress RCC added that the plant he heads has completed the manufacture of all medium-sized Soyuz-2 missiles under a contract with the British operator OneWeb.
The head also confirmed that within the framework of the Kovcheg project, the Bion-M satellite No. 2 being created by the enterprise can be launched together with animals to an altitude of 20 thousand kilometers. “Yes, indeed, we are working out as one of the possible options for launching this spacecraft not 800 kilometers, as it was supposed, but somewhat higher. Now this issue is being worked out, ”Baranov said.
In January, the Space Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) recommended that Roskosmos, instead of the Yenisei, use the heavy launch vehicle Angara for flights to the Moon.
In the same month, RIA Novosti, citing materials from Roskosmos posted on the government procurement website, reported that Soyuz-7 (Amur-LNG) should perform up to 50 space flights during its service.
