Article Posted on : - Apr 27, 2013

Angara booster rocket.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is planning to test launch its new generation Angara booster rocket in 2014 after the construction of a new launch complex at the Plesetsk space center is completed, Deputy Defence Minister Col. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko said.

"We are hoping for 2014. But it all depends on the industry - how fast they can build the rocket," RIA Novosti quoted Ostapenko as saying.

The maiden launch of the light-class Angara was previously expected in 2013.

The new-generation rocket will provide lifting capabilities between 2,000 and 40,500 kg into low earth orbit, and are therefore, intended to become the mainstay of the Russian unmanned launcher fleet in the future and replace several existing systems.

The rockets have a modular design similar to the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), based on a common Universal Rocket Module (URM).

According to the report, Russia will achieve independent access to space with the successful launch of its Angara rocket family.

The rockets will reduce Russia's dependence on the Baikonur space center it leases from Kazakhstan by allowing the launch of heavy payloads from more northerly sites such as Plesetsk and from the new Vostochny space center in Russia's Far East.