In Russia started to develop a reusable rocket of the middle class, which will be the response created by the company SpaceX Elon musk carrier rocket Falcon 9. The development of reusable rockets are engaged in RSC “Energia” and space-rocket center “Progress”. As experts in the industry, create media, ready to be reusable, it is very important to retain Russia’s positions in the market of space services.
In addition to creating reusable versions at the same time will be carried out and the development of its one-time option. Thanks to the unification of new disposable rocket “Soyuz-5” launch of the reusable booster will be from Baikonur, and from the East and even with floating cosmodrome in the Pacific ocean, which is used in the framework of the program “Sea launch”. Work on a preliminary design of a disposable version of “Soyuz-5” was completed in late November. Soon the documentation will be sent to Roskosmos. The rocket of the middle class is created to replace the Zenit, previously jointly produced by Russia and Ukraine.
When contacting the press-service of RSC Energia, the Russian “Izvestia” representatives of the company noted that terms of reference “Roscosmos” on the development of “Soyuz-5” does not provide for multiple use of this missile or its separate elements. All work is carried out proactively.
“In the near future the initiative will be considered reusable first stage, as the most expensive part of the carrier. The results will be taken the decision on the continuation of work”, — said the press service.
However, it is assumed that a reusable rocket will be able to carry out a soft landing, as does the Falcon 9 private us company SpaceX. However, will be explored and other options for landing, for example, with the aid of parachutes. New reusable launch vehicle is planned to unify with a disposable version of the “Soyuz-5” to be able to run both versions from the same launch pads.
General Director of RSC Energia Vladimir Solntsev said the same “news” that the main factor to be taken into account when developing an economic feasibility of the project and reusable launch. The experts will determine the cost of the preparation steps for the subsequent runs, calculate the capacity for self-planting in the tanks of the rocket required to leave 30 percent of the fuel.
“Now conducted development work to keep pace with the world trend. Look at feasibility. The main criterion is the value of output of kilograms of payload into low earth orbit. From a technical point of view, we are ready for it,” commented sun.
Comments were also made, and the scientific Director of the space policy Institute Ivan Moiseev believes the creation of reusable media is very promising and cost-effective.
“One of the most expensive components of a rocket are the engines. If we put a notch or some other way of saving her engines, it allows you to save 10-20 percent at each new start. This is a very serious savings for the carrier. In addition, the presence of a private rocket with a reusable stage will allow us to keep our share of the world market of space launches, shaken after accidents that occurred in recent years”, — said the expert.
Recall that in 2017, SpaceX conducted 16 launches of the Falcon 9 rocket. Three of them – the re-use of previously run steps. And next veronic SpaceX plans the first launch has already proven stage, as well as flying space Dragon truck and deliver with them new supplies to the International space station.
To date, the share of Falcon 9 to the international market of space launches is of the order of 20 percent, which includes both government and commercial orders. About the same proportion now in control of “Roscosmos”.
In Russia can create your own reusable “Falcon 9”
Nikolai Khizhnyak