The General Director of the Center named after Khrunichev, Alexei Varochko, indicated that the first flight of the Rokot-M launch vehicle from the Plesetsk spaceport was slated for 2024, a detail reported by TASS. The plan reflects ongoing efforts to modernizeRussia’s early-warning and launch capability by upgrading the Rokot-M family with a contemporary control system.
During the summer briefing, Varochko noted that the Rokot-M could potentially lift off with a Russian control subsystem for the initial test in 2022. However, after a thorough assessment of the hardware, experts concluded that the existing equipment had to be replaced with newly manufactured components. The older systems had served for a long period and had effectively exhausted their service life, prompting a decision to pursue a fresh set of solutions instead of refurbishing what was already in place.
Among the adjustments discussed, the emphasis was placed on ground-support equipment. In addition, a series of decisions were made concerning the vehicle’s control system: the outdated existing control hardware would be retired, and a modernized, best-in-class set of control systems would be implemented to ensure higher reliability and performance. The modernization aims to produce a cohesive, integrated complex that can meet current and future mission requirements.
In March, the Khrunichev Center confirmed the completion of the Rokot-M launch vehicle’s preliminary design phase. This milestone signals that the overall configuration and performance envelope have been defined, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent engineering work and testing programs.
The Rokot launch vehicle first flew on May 16, 2000, a mission that focused on deploying commercial satellites. More recently, in the prior year, a decision from the Department of Defense influenced plans regarding the use of Rokot-M for commercial satellite deployment, signaling a shift in mission focus and regulatory considerations impacting program momentum. The evolving status underscores the ongoing adaptation of Russia’s launcher portfolio to commercial, strategic, and national-security demands.
Earlier statements from Varochko also referenced the Angara family program, noting that the assembly of the initial flight model for the oxygen-hydrogen upper stage (KVTK) designed to power Angara would commence in 2025. This step represents progress within Russia’s broader strategy to advance heavy-lift capabilities and enhance the versatility of its space launch systems. ( источник: TASS )