The historian told about the appearance of the first rocket prototypes back in ancient Russia

Long before the advent of space exploration, back in the 17th century, products that can be called rockets in the modern sense began to appear in Russia, but the very first mentions of "fire arrows" can be found in the chronicles of ancient Russia. Cosmonautics historian Alexander Zheleznyakov told about this on April 6.

He noted that a special rise in such production occurred during the reign of Emperor Peter I.

"The first factory for the production of army lighting rockets opened in Moscow in 1680. A little later, under Peter I, great importance was attached to the production of fireworks and combat rockets, high-quality gunpowder. At the same time, a signal rocket was developed, which was in service with the Russian army for more than a century and a half," he told RIA Novosti.

The historian recalled that the ancient Russian chronicles contain the first mentions of "fire arrows". At the same time, such devices cannot be fully called missiles.

Later, in the 19th century, Russia launched the production of combat missiles designed by British engineer William Congreve. Russian officer Alexander Zasyadko came across such technology in India, after which he improved the development. Subsequently, such ammunition was used during the Russian-Turkish War of 1828-1829. Their production was established near the front line — in the Caucasus.

Engineer Konstantin Konstantinov managed to establish mass production of rockets. The ammunition created under his leadership, as it is now in mass production, was completely identical to each other.

The decline in the production and use of such technologies dates back to the 60s of the 19th century. At that time, rifled artillery could provide both high accuracy and high range.

It is noted that Space Week will be held in Russia for the first time this week.

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Potential customers will see mobile MLRS, advanced anti-drone weapons and guided munitions at the World Defense Show 2026.

Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Mikaev, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Andrey Fedyaev, who are currently on board the International Space Station (ISS), congratulated Russians on the start of the first Russian Space Week, which will be held from April 6 to 12. Throughout the week, Russians will have access to a variety of educational, cultural and memorable events. Thematic films about space, cosmonautics and Russia's role in the exploration of distant lands are also scheduled to be shown in theaters and cinemas.

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