The Research and Production Association Energomash has delivered the RD-171MV rocket engine for the inaugural flight tests of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle, a milestone confirmed by official statements from Roscosmos and corroborated by TASS. The RD-171MV is a liquid-fueled propulsion unit designed to power the first stage of the new Soyuz-5 configuration, marking a significant step in Russia’s heavy-lift ambitions. This engine is built to meet the rigorous demands of modern spaceflight, combining high thrust with refined control systems to ensure stable ascent, precise throttle management, and reliability under a variety of mission profiles. The recent production milestones underscore Energomash’s engineering capabilities and its role in sustaining national aerospace capabilities amid evolving space programs. (TASS, Roscosmos)
In June, Energomash completed the manufacturing of the RD-171MV engine to support the initial flight tests of the Soyuz-5 booster, according to Roscosmos. The announcement highlights the successful culmination of a complex development and production cycle that involved design validation, component testing, and integration readiness for ground and flight evaluations. Engineers and program managers emphasize that the engine’s performance parameters are aligned with the mission requirements for the Soyuz-5’s first carrier, with a focus on clean ignition, stable combustion, and robust performance margins. The continuity of Russia’s launcher program hinges on these test-ready components and the ability to iterate based on test results from the experimental flights. (Roscosmos)
Looking ahead to 2023, the plan includes completing the assembly of the RD-171MV for a second carrier and advancing production readiness for engines intended for a third carrier. This phased approach reflects a strategic schedule to scale up manufacturing capacity while maintaining stringent quality controls and supply chain resilience. It is expected that the second engine set will undergo further testing, verification, and adaptation to accommodate the evolving requirements of the Soyuz-5 configuration and related missions. Such efforts are integral to ensuring that subsequent launches benefit from proven propulsion performance, reduced turnaround times, and consistent production quality across batches. (Industry updates)
officials have noted that the program has already conducted more than twenty-fire tests of the RD-171MV, demonstrating a thorough test program designed to validate reliability, safety margins, and functional robustness under simulated flight conditions. The breadth of test activities includes cold-flow demonstrations, ignition sequence validation, transients, and post-test inspections to identify any wear patterns or potential failure modes. The results from these tests inform both design refinements and procedures for manufacturing controls, inspection regimes, and quality assurance protocols. The emphasis remains on achieving repeatable performance with high confidence for future missions. (Test reports)
In related developments, Yuri Borisov, the former head of Roscosmos, has articulated a forward-looking strategy that envisions Russia establishing a domestic satellite production capability in the 2025–2026 timeframe. This strategic direction aligns with broader goals of strengthening national space infrastructure and reducing dependency on external suppliers. Concurrently, Roscosmos announced the launch of the Kondor-FKA radar satellite into a designated orbit, a milestone achieved with the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket equipped with a Fregat upper stage launching from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. These steps illustrate an integrated approach to space infrastructure, combining domestic launcher propulsion development with satellite production and orbital deployment strategies. (Roscosmos, official briefings)