Yenisei (rocket)

Yenisei (rocket)
Name	Yenisei
Function	Super heavy-lift launch vehicle
Manufacturer	Progress Rocket Space Centre
Country origin	Russia
Status	In development
Launch sites	Vostochny Cosmodrome
First launch	Planned after 2028

Yenisei (rocket). The Yenisei is a planned super heavy-lift launch vehicle under development by the Russian space industry for deep space exploration. Designed to support the national Roscosmos lunar program, it aims to deliver significant payloads to cislunar space and beyond. Its development represents a cornerstone of Russia's long-term strategy for crewed missions to the Moon and potential future interplanetary travel.

Overview

The Yenisei project was officially announced by Roscosmos as part of a renewed push for lunar exploration, following directives from the Government of Russia. It is intended to serve as the primary launch vehicle for launching modules of a planned Russian Orbital Service Station and for expeditions to the lunar surface. The rocket's conceptualization draws upon legacy designs from the Soviet-era Energia (rocket) program while incorporating modern technologies. Its development is closely tied to infrastructure projects at the new Vostochny Cosmodrome, which will host its dedicated launch complex.

Development

Initial studies for a new super-heavy rocket began in the 2010s, with the project gaining formal approval after a decree by President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Primary development responsibility was assigned to the Progress Rocket Space Centre, a key subsidiary of Roscosmos, with involvement from other major entities like RSC Energia and the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. The program has experienced several revisions and delays, often attributed to budgetary constraints and shifting national priorities. Critical design milestones and engine tests, such as those for the new RD-171MV engine, have been conducted at facilities like NPO Energomash.

Design and specifications

The Yenisei's design is based on a modular approach, utilizing clusters of standardized rocket cores. Its first stage is expected to be powered by multiple RD-171MV engines, derivatives of the powerful engines used on the Zenit and Energia (rocket). The second stage may use the RD-0124MS or a variant of the RD-180 engine. The rocket is designed to be partially reusable, with plans to recover and refurbish first-stage engine modules. Its payload fairing is sized to accommodate large lunar landers, space station modules, and components for potential missions to Mars.

Comparison with other super-heavy launch vehicles

When operational, the Yenisei would enter a market segment historically dominated by vehicles like the American Space Launch System and Starship from SpaceX. In terms of projected payload capacity to low Earth orbit, it is designed to be comparable to early configurations of the Space Launch System. Unlike the fully reusable architecture pursued by Starship, the Yenisei's reusability model is more limited, focusing on engine block recovery. Its development timeline and cost profile are frequently contrasted with these international counterparts, highlighting different national approaches to space exploration.

Planned missions and payloads

The primary mission for Yenisei is to support the Roscosmos lunar program, launching the proposed Oryol (spacecraft) crew vehicle and a new lunar lander on separate missions for orbital assembly. It is also slated to launch heavy modules for the planned Russian Orbital Service Station, intended as a successor to collaboration on the International Space Station. Potential scientific payloads could include large telescopes for deployment at Earth–Moon Lagrange points and heavy robotic explorers for the lunar south pole. Mission architectures for crewed flights to the Moon envision multiple Yenisei launches to support a sustained lunar outpost.

Status and future prospects

As of the mid-2020s, the Yenisei program remains in the development and testing phase, with a first launch not expected before 2028. The project's future is heavily dependent on sustained funding from the State Duma and the overall economic climate in Russia. International sanctions following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine have impacted access to some foreign components, potentially causing further delays. The long-term viability of the rocket is intertwined with the geopolitical standing of Roscosmos and its ability to maintain partnerships or pursue independent deep space exploration goals.

Category:Super heavy-lift launch vehicles Category:Roscosmos Category:Spacecraft developed by Russia