Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, outlined that the agency intends to continue advancing the development of a superheavy rocket through 2024. The update came from the space agency in a report relayed by DEA News, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to maintaining momentum on a project seen as pivotal for Russia’s space program.
Borisov specified that the direction for this initiative was formalized after receiving a clear directive from President Vladimir Putin. The leadership’s involvement signals a high-level prioritization of heavy-lift capabilities as a cornerstone of Russia’s ambitions in orbital missions and deep-space exploration.
In his remarks, Borisov described the project as an already prepared program that has been submitted for approval. He emphasized the urgency of moving into the design phase promptly, noting a defined deadline for the coming year and underscoring that detailed engineering work must commence without delay to align with strategic timelines.
The trajectory of the superheavy rocket program has experienced pauses, including a suspension in February 2021. At that time, Dmitry Rogozin, who led Roscosmos, argued that the rocket’s realization would depend on incorporating the most advanced technologies available and avoiding reliance on developments from two decades prior. The renewed focus described by Borisov reflects an intent to integrate cutting-edge solutions into Russia’s aerospace architecture.
Earlier statements attributed to Borisov referenced Putin’s approval of proposals aimed at constructing a Russian orbital station and widening capabilities to produce additional space satellites. This context places the superheavy rocket project within a broader strategic framework that Moscow appears to be pursuing to bolster national space infrastructure, ensure sustained orbital operations, and expand satellite-based services and research capacity. The evolving plan signals an emphasis on self-reliance and endurance in Russia’s space endeavors as global competition in space intensifies.
Observers note that the revival of the design and approval processes aligns with a multi-year trajectory in which spacecraft families, launch systems, and ground infrastructure must mature in concert. The emphasis on state support and high-level direction suggests that Roscosmos intends to synchronize industrial capabilities, testing regimes, and supply chains to meet the ambitious goals described by the agency. In this light, the continued work on the superheavy rocket is framed not only as a single project but as a signal of Russia’s long-term commitment to sustaining a robust heavy-lift launch presence on the world stage, enabling crewed missions, large-scale payload deployment, and ambitious scientific undertakings that leverage orbital platforms for research and national security applications. The strategic narrative continues to unfold as Moscow positions itself to navigate the evolving landscape of international space activity and domestic technological development, with the aim of translating policy directions into a tangible, operational launch capability.