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Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 10/97 NEW LAUNCHER VARIANTS FROM RUSSIA by Hans-Werner Luttmann With 230 successful launches since 1965 and a 90-percent reliability, the Russian Proton rocket is the workhorse of the Russia for launching heavy payloads. Based on the perspectives of the commercial market and the increasing satellite weights, the manufacturer, M.V. Krunichev (Moscow) has developed two new Proton upper stage versions which are specifically designed for the launch of satellites into the transition to a geosynchronous orbit and allow for the simultaneous launch of more than one satellites, such reducing launch cost. The block D version of the fourth Proton stage will be replaced by a significantly improved upper stage Proton M which can carry payloads of 3,3 tons (so far: 2,5 tons). The new stage features an autonomous propulsion system. Asymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) is used as fuel, which utilizes nitrogen etroxid as the oxydator. The engine measures only 1,5 meters in height and has a diameter of 3,35 meters, weighing 6,5 tons at launch. The first launch of a Proton M upper stage is scheduled for the end of this year. For the year 2000, Krunichev plans the first flight of a cryogen upper stage. For this purpose, the RD-120 engine will be updated and the cooling system of the oxygen pump will be modified. This is to be accomplished by installing a scavenging circulation at the inside of the bearings, says Oleg Skolov, manager of the Krunichev research division. Additionally, a helium circulation is to protect the system from micro-size stain. A self-lubricating surface of the bearings will serve the same purpose. The cryogen upper stage will be designed to carry a 4,2-ton payload from the elliptical transition orbit into the geo-orbit. Other Russian launch rockets were improved also. KB Proton announced in Samara that the modernization of the Sojus rocket has led to a new launch system, called RUS. Main changes include the third stage and the propulsion (extension of the burn-time of the RD-461). Beginning in 1998, RUS could be carrying approximately 500 to 800 kilograms more payload than a Sojus (approximately 6,9 tons) into low orbits. From page 43 of FLUG REVUE 10/97 Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 10/97 Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved. Last updated September 5, 1997 FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany