Teh Russian company “Kuznetsov“, a subsidiary of “Rostec“, has announced that it is working on developing new engines for an ultra-light space rocket that can be reused more than once..
Regarding the matter, Pavel Chubin, the company’s chief designer, said: “Our company is working on developing engines for a Russian ultra-light missile that can be used more than once and the second stage of this missile These engines will work with oxygen and kerosene, and can safely return the frist stage of the missile“.
He said: “The new engine nozzles will be mobile and will be guided using electric motors. By guiding these nozzles, the movement mechanism of the first stage of the missile will be controlled during its return to Earth.”“.
Last June, Russia’s Rostec Corporation revealed that its subsidiary, Kuznetsov, would develop engines for ultra-light, reusable space rockets, and that the rocket that will receive these engines will be able to carry payloads of to carry 250 kg to low Earth orbit a missile development project will be financed with 2.7 billion rubles.
It should be noted that Kuznetsov Company is considered one of the major Russian companies in the field of space rocket engine development, and has contributed to the development of many engines, such as engines NK-33A and RD-108A Liquid-fueled, designed for the Russian Soyuz space rockets“.
Source: Russia Today
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How does Kuznetsov Corporation plan to compete wiht other companies in the reusable rocket market?
Interview with Pavel Chubin, Chief Designer at Kuznetsov Corporation on the Future of Reusable Space Rockets
Date: October 2023
Interviewer: Time.news Editor
Guest: Pavel Chubin, Chief Designer, Kuznetsov Corporation
Q: Welcome, Pavel.Thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about Kuznetsov’s latest project regarding ultra-light reusable rockets?
A: Thank you for having me.Our team at Kuznetsov, a subsidiary of Rostec, is excited to be developing engines for a new ultra-light space rocket that emphasizes reusability. This rocket will be capable of carrying payloads of up to 250 kg into low Earth orbit, which is notable for a variety of applications, including satellite deployment and future commercial ventures.
Q: That sounds impressive! What makes these new engines especially noteworthy compared to existing technologies?
A: One of the key innovations is that these engines will operate using a combination of oxygen and kerosene, which is both tried and tested in the industry and offers better efficiency. Additionally, the mobile nozzles, which will be guided by electric motors, provide improved control over the rocket’s descent, especially during the return phase. This control mechanism enhances safety and reliability,crucial aspects for any reusable launch system.
Q: Reusability is a hot topic in the aerospace industry. What do you think the implications of this project will be for the future of space exploration?
A: The implications are profound. By reducing the cost associated with launching payloads—thanks to the reusability of rocket stages—we can potentially open up space for more players.It encourages innovation within the commercial space sector and coudl lead to advancements in satellite technology, research, and even future manned missions. Our project is backed by significant funding, amounting to 2.7 billion rubles, which shows the commitment to foster advancements in this field.
Q: Kuznetsov is known for developing several important engines in the past. How does your experience with engines like the NK-33A and RD-108A inform this new project?
A: Our heritage in engine design is invaluable. The experience gained from developing the NK-33A and RD-108A has equipped us with the expertise in liquid fuel technologies, thrust control, and overall design integration. We aim to incorporate the lessons learned from these triumphant engines into our new projects. The goal is to ensure reliability while pushing the envelope on performance metrics, particularly in reusability.
Q: For our readers interested in the aerospace industry, what practical advice would you offer?
A: My advice would be to stay informed about emerging technologies and advancements in propulsion systems. Keep an eye on companies that are innovating in the reusable rocket sector, as the landscape is rapidly evolving. Networking within the industry can provide insights on potential career paths and opportunities, especially as more nations and private entities seek to participate in space exploration.
Q: is there a timeline for when we can expect to see these reusable rockets in action?
A: While we are actively working on the advancement stages, specific timelines can be challenging to pinpoint due to the complex nature of aerospace engineering. Our target is to complete significant progress in the coming years, which could lead to test flights within the next few years. But rest assured, our team is dedicated to making this project a reality quickly.
Thank you, Pavel, for sharing these insights into the future of reusable space rockets. It’s clear that Kuznetsov is at the forefront of an exciting era in aerospace technology.