We have previously reported that the company S7 plans to create a reusable rocket based on the medium-class carrier "Soyuz-5." Moreover, Roscosmos will participate in the project. As the online publication "RIA Novosti" now reports, 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 involves the development of a lighter commercial version of the "Soyuz-5" rocket: this modification will have a reusable first stage. 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 for us in the creation of 'Soyuz-5 Light' — the lightweight commercial version of the rocket, the next phase of its creation. We want to move towards reusability. It's not possible right now, but in the next stage, it can be done together with them. I think there is potential for collaboration here," quotes Mr. Rogozin as reported by "RIA Novosti."
"Soyuz-5," as a reminder, is a rocket with two stages. The RD171MV engine is planned for use as the first stage engine, while the RD0124MS will be the second stage engine.
Flight testing of the "Soyuz-5" carrier is scheduled to start in 2022. When launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the rocket will be able to deliver up to 18 tons of cargo to low Earth orbit.
Bron: 3dnews.ru
