The first Russian reusable launch vehicle can be a modified version of the ultra-light rocket “Angara-1.2”. At the moment the project is under development. Tests of the first Russian reusable launch can take place in 2022.
Rocket ultralight class is developed by FPI, Roscosmos and the United aircraft Corporation. Now completed the preliminary design of the return unit.
“Flight tests of a demonstrator system is scheduled for 2022”, — told reporters the head of the design team of the advanced research Foundation (DRF) Boris Satovsky.
The missile will be able to bring in a sun-synchronous orbit a payload weighing up to 600 kg.
“The scheme of the system provides for the separation of the first stage of the carrier rocket at a height 59-66 km and its return to the launch site with the landing on a conventional runway,” — said Satovsky.
Used in the design of technological basis of the project of the reusable accelerator “Baikal”. The missile is equipped with a swivel rectangular wing of large scale and classic tail.
“During the return flight to the launch site used a modified serial turbojet engine,” — said the scientist.
Each managed unit of the rocket will be designed for 50 flights without replacing the main engines. The launch is supposed to carry out with mobile launchers, added Satovsky.
Russian developers of reusable rocket worked for a few options for its appearance, told journalists the Deputy Director General Aviation complex. Ilyushin project management Dmitry Gerasimov.
“In the framework of the preliminary design prepared various layout options, calculated aerodynamics, weight summary, and more. After the decision on the continuation of this work we proceed with the technical design, the purpose of which is to create a series of flight demonstrators,” — said Gerasimov.
According to Gerasimov, having examined the projects of reusable boosters, the experts came to the conclusion that for Russia the most attractive is the return of the spent rocket airplane method.
“The outcome of the research should be fully functional demonstrator rocket engine, which can perform the entire test cycle, starting from start of breeding to the desired height, ending with a return and automatic landing,” — said Gerasimov.
Currently, reusable boosters have only two private American companies — SpaceX and Blue Origin. First, they are actively used in missions to deliver cargo to the International space station, the second – conducts flight tests and plans their use in space tourism.
Test Russian reusable launch vehicle will start in 2022
Nikolai Khizhnyak