“Proton” was given only 6 years
The dates of Russia's final refusal to use a Proton-class launch vehicle became known. According to a representative of the Russian Technologies Corporation, it was decided that Protons will disappear from the space services market in 6 years:
The Proton booster rocket is an honored veteran of the Russian cosmonautics, and has made a huge number of successful launches. The International Space Station began with the Russian module Zarya, which was launched into orbit by Proton. However, its use today is fully impossible. The problem is toxic heptyl, used as fuel for an old rocket. Inhalation of heptyl vapor can kill a person. After the launch of "Proton" from Baikonur, the spent steps fall on the territory of Kazakhstan, causing him significant environmental damage. Despite the substantial compensation paid by Russia, Astana insists on stopping the operation of Proton.
As a replacement, the whole Angara rocket family is considered, whose modular design suggests the possibility of creating all classes of carriers, from light to very heavy. Unlike the Proton, a new Russian rocket flies on kerosene, a much more environmentally friendly form of fuel. Two successful Angara launches have already taken place.
The disadvantages of the "Angara" include its significantly higher cost, compared with the "Proton". However, Rostec notes that such a situation will not last forever. Dmitry Rogozin set the task for the Khrunichev center to “lighten” the launch vehicle by using new composite materials and using the most advanced welding methods that will improve its characteristics and reduce the cost of operation. The developers also assure that the design of the "Angara" allows the possibility of its reusable use.
To make a certain supply of such missiles, to focus on the appearance of an already working "Angara" somewhere in 2024, after which the "Proton" will be stopped as such
The Proton booster rocket is an honored veteran of the Russian cosmonautics, and has made a huge number of successful launches. The International Space Station began with the Russian module Zarya, which was launched into orbit by Proton. However, its use today is fully impossible. The problem is toxic heptyl, used as fuel for an old rocket. Inhalation of heptyl vapor can kill a person. After the launch of "Proton" from Baikonur, the spent steps fall on the territory of Kazakhstan, causing him significant environmental damage. Despite the substantial compensation paid by Russia, Astana insists on stopping the operation of Proton.
As a replacement, the whole Angara rocket family is considered, whose modular design suggests the possibility of creating all classes of carriers, from light to very heavy. Unlike the Proton, a new Russian rocket flies on kerosene, a much more environmentally friendly form of fuel. Two successful Angara launches have already taken place.
The disadvantages of the "Angara" include its significantly higher cost, compared with the "Proton". However, Rostec notes that such a situation will not last forever. Dmitry Rogozin set the task for the Khrunichev center to “lighten” the launch vehicle by using new composite materials and using the most advanced welding methods that will improve its characteristics and reduce the cost of operation. The developers also assure that the design of the "Angara" allows the possibility of its reusable use.
Information