Russia has developed an ultralight launch vehicle for launching satellites

Students of the D.F. Ustinov Baltic State Technical University Voenmeh, together with a startup from St. Petersburg, have developed an ultralight SpaceNet rocket. Its weight is 14 tons, which is significantly less than existing analogues. The whole secret is to use cryogenic tanks made of composite materials, which make the rocket not only lighter, but also cheaper.

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"The development of the project will include 3D printing of rocket engine components from heat-resistant alloys, the creation of new materials based on heavy—duty fibers, the development of environmentally friendly rocket technologies and the promotion of domestic microelectronics," said Pavel Arkhipov, chief designer of the project.

According to the developer, the device may be in demand for regular replenishment of the low-orbit grouping of small spacecraft formed within the framework of national programs. Currently, small devices are usually withdrawn as a side load. And the availability of a specialized ultralight rocket will allow flexible selection of orbital parameters and reduce the time required to complete launch orders. At the same time, the designer is convinced that such launches will be competitive.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Young in weight: Russia has developed an ultralight launch vehicle for launching satellites