Centering on modernization, MV Khrunichev has begun developing several components of the Rokot-M first flight launch vehicle with a homegrown control system. This update came from an interview given to TASS by the enterprise’s General Director, Alexei Varochko.
Varochko explained that production is underway for multiple elements of the rocket meant for its first flight, including bench test articles. He emphasized that both long-lead items and associated testing hardware are moving forward as part of the program, underscoring the emphasis on domestic capabilities and independent verification.
Five years earlier, the company explored the Rokot-2 rocket concept, aiming to replace the existing Ukrainian control system with a new domestic solution. The shift was driven by ambitions to reduce reliance on external suppliers while maintaining the reliability needed for a modern launch vehicle.
Initially, officials projected the Rokot-M rocket might launch in 2022. However, after a thorough inspection of the existing equipment, experts determined that the long-used hardware had exhausted its operational life and required refurbishment to restore performance and safety margins. The assessment highlighted the importance of durable, locally manufactured components to ensure mission success and continuity of the national space program.
Subsequent communications revealed that the Rokot-M program remained on track for its first launch in 2024. This realignment reflected careful project management, updated risk assessments, and the ongoing effort to confirm that the vehicle and its control systems meet stringent reliability standards for deepened domestic capability in space launch operations.