We have previously reported that S7 intends to create a reusable rocket based on the medium-class carrier Soyuz-5. Moreover, the project will involve Roscosmos. As now reported by the online publication "RIA Novosti," the head of the state corporation Dmitry Rogozin shared some details about this initiative.
The future carrier is currently referred to as "Soyuz-5 Light." This pertains to the development of a lighter commercial version of the Soyuz-5 rocket: in this modification, the first stage will be reusable. The proposed design will reduce the cost of launching payloads into orbit, making the carrier more attractive to potential customers.
"They [the S7 group] will be very helpful to us in the creation of 'Soyuz-5 Light' — the lighter commercial version of the rocket, the next stage of its development. We want to move towards reusability. Right now it is not possible, but in the next phase, it can be done together with them. I believe there is ground for collaboration," quotes Mr. Rogozin in "RIA Novosti."
"Soyuz-5," let us remind you, is a two-stage rocket. The RD171MV engine is planned to be used for the first stage, while the second stage will utilize the RD0124MS engine.
Flight tests of the Soyuz-5 carrier are planned to begin in 2022. When launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the rocket will be able to carry up to 18 tons of cargo into low Earth orbit.
Source: 3dnews.ru
