Roscosmos started developing new super-heavy booster, – mass media representatives reported with reference to RSC Energia Director General Vladimir Solntsev.
“Together with Roscosmos rocket complex general designer Alexander Medvedev we are developing new super-heavy booster using RD-171 engine as a basis for the new booster’s concept.
We are not considering the use of hydrogenous circuits in first and second stages of this booster so far. The third stage will be taken from Angara booster already tested. This compilation will save us time and money. I am sure we’ll be able to develop super-heavy booster in record-breaking time, e.g. in five – seven years”, – RSC Energia Head specified.
According to him this new booster will be vital for Moon program implementation.
Solntsev explained that the booster is considered to be able to insert the payload up to 80 tons into low Earth orbit. In the course of the future development booster’s carrying capacity will be increased thus amounting 120 tons and even up to 160 tons if necessary (in case of engines’ layout change). It was also pointed out that developing the booster on RD-171 engine basis will enable to quit the idea of super-heavy booster on the basis of Angara.
