Encyclopedia Astronautica
Korolev

Russian manufacturer of rockets, spacecraft, and rocket engines. Korolev Design Bureau, Kaliningrad, Russia.

The Korolev bureau developed Russia's first ballistic missile, its first ICBM, the world's first Sputnik and first manned spacecraft. After his premature death in 1966 Korolev's successors continued to enjoy high visibility and large budgets for the Soyuz spacecraft, the Salyut and Mir space stations, and the Energia launch vehicle. However the celebrity disguised the fact that before his death Korolev had spun off almost all other space work and that other bureaux were responsible for all of the actual operational space launchers and satellites of the Soviet Union.

Korolev's bureau originated in 1946 as Section 3 of the SKB (Special Design Bureau) of NII-88 (scientific research institute). Korolev was tasked with copying the German V-2 and further development of ballistic missiles. As the work grew, Korolev's organisation became reorganised at higher levels. In 1950 Section 3 became OKB-1 (Research Design Bureau) of NII-88. In 1953 Korolev was given responsibility for developing the world's first ICBM. On August 14, 1956, OKB-1 become an independent design bureau. On the basis of the R-7 Korolev was able to achieve a series of space 'first' from 1957-1965 that kept the Soviet Union in the lead of the space race. In 1964 Korolev plunged into the task of building the N1 superbooster and beating the Americans to the moon.

Throughout his career Korolev had spun off new bureaux to handle further design of technologies that did not contribute to his ultimate goal - manned colonisation of the planets. Generally after testing a prototype of each new technology Korolev would find a new bureau to further develop the technology. These spin-offs included:

After testing the R-1, R-2, and R-5 ballistic missiles, OKB-586 was established in 1954 under Yangel in Dnepropetrovsk to handle further development of intermediate range ballistic missiles.
In 1955, after testing the R-11, further development of short-range and sea-launched ballistic missiles was transferred to SKB-385 under Makeyev at Miass.
In 1959, after completion of flight testing of the R-7, production engineering responsibility for the ICBM was transferred to Kozlov at a filial of OKB-1 in Samara. Kozlov was given responsibility for design of future R-7 derivatives in 1964. His branch became an independent design bureau in 1976.
Following flight test of the first version, Kozlov was also given design responsibility for Zenit photoreconnaissance satellites.
In 1964 all work on the Molniya and all future communications and navigation satellites was transferred to Reshetnev at OKB-10.
In 1965 all further development of unmanned lunar and interplanetary probes was transferred to the Lavochkin OKB.

Having cleared the boards in order to concentrate on developing the N1 and landing Soviet men on the moon and Mars, Korolev died suddenly in January 1966.

As part of a reorganisation of the Soviet defence industry after Khrushchev's overthrow, OKB-1 was renamed TsKBEM (Central Design Bureau of Experimental Machine-building) on March 6, 1966. Korolev's deputy Mishin was named Chief Designer two months later. Following the collapse of the N1 project in 1974 Mishin was removed and replaced by rocket engine maker Glushko.

Glushko managed a combined organisation, NPO Energia, composed of the former OKB-1 and Glushko's own OKB-456 rocket engine bureau. From 1976-1985 NPO Energia also included KB Salyut, a space station design group taken from Chelomei's Almaz program. Glushko died in January 1989. OKB-456 again was split off to make NPO Energomash. Semenov was named as General Designer of he remaining part, still called NPO Energia.

The remarkable fact is that despite its public role as the 'pre-eminent Soviet space design bureau' the organisation flew very little hardware after Korolev's death. His successor Mishin oversaw four failed launches of the N1 before the entire project was cancelled. Glushko was put in charge of developing a replacement heavy lift vehicle, the Energia. This flew but twice before the collapse of the Soviet Union. None of Glushko's plans for space or lunar bases were ever funded.

Korolev's bureau did manage to achieve a high profile by operating the visible Soviet manned space program - the Vostok, Voskhod, Soyuz, Salyut, and Mir projects. These however were funded at a relatively low level and used equipment developed for secret military projects in the late 1960's (Almaz and Soyuz-S).

AKA: NII-88; OKB-1; TsKBEM (1965); NPO Energia; RKK Energia (1976); RSC Energia im S P Korolev.
Location: Kaliningrad.

More... - Chronology...

Associated People

Korolev Korolev, Sergei Pavlovich (1907-1966) Soviet Chief Designer, responsible for creating the first long range ballistic missiles, the first space launchers, the first artificial satellite, and putting the first man in space. After his premature death the Soviets lagged in space. More...

Glushko Glushko, Valentin Petrovich (1908-1989) Soviet Chief Designer, responsible for all large liquid propellant engines for missiles and LVs. Led Glushko bureau, 1946-1974; Headed NPO Energia 1974-1989, directing development of Energia launch vehicle and Buran spaceplane. More...

Semenov Semenov, Anatoli Ivanovich (1908-1973) Russian officer. Commander of GURVO 1954-1964. More...

Anokhin Anokhin, Sergei Nikolayevich (1910-1986) Russian test pilot cosmonaut, 1966-1968. More...

Mishin Mishin, Vasili Pavlovich (1917-2001) Soviet Chief Designer, superseding Korolev, 1966-1974. Led the bureau in the flight test stages of the L1 and N1-L3 manned lunar programs, the Soyuz, and the Salyut space station. Replaced by Glushko after failures in all of these programs. More...

Feoktistov Feoktistov, Konstantin Petrovich (1926-2009) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Voskhod 1. First spacecraft designer in space. More...

Yazdovsky Yazdovsky, Valeri Aleksandrovich (1930-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1968-1982. More...

Grechko Grechko, Georgi Mikhailovich (1931-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 17, Salyut 6 EO-1, Salyut 7 EP-5. More...

Ponomaryov Ponomaryov, Yuri Anatolyevich (1932-2005) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1972-1983. Was married to astronaut Valentina Ponomaryova. More...

Rukavishnikov Rukavishnikov, Nikolai Nikolayevich (1932-2002) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 10, Soyuz 16, Salyut 6 EP-5-1. More...

Makarov Makarov, Oleg Grigoryevich (1933-2003) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 12, Soyuz 18-1, Salyut 6 EP-1, Salyut 6 EO-5. Survived first manned spaceflight abort during launch. More...

Bugrov Bugrov, Vladimir Yevgrafovich (1933-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1966-1968. More...

Patsayev Patsayev, Viktor Ivanovich (1933-1971) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Civilian Engineer, Korolev OKB. Flew on Soyuz 11. Member of first crew to stay aboard a space station, however perished during landing. A street in Kaluga and Asteroid 1791 were named for him. More...

Yeliseyev Yeliseyev, Aleksei Stanislavovich (1934-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 4/5, Soyuz 8, Soyuz 10. Member of first crew to transfer between spacecraft. More...

Kubasov Kubasov, Valeri Nikolayevich (1935-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 6, Soyuz 19 (ASTP), Salyut 6 EP-5. Flew in first docking mission between American and Soviet spacecraft. Missed two chances to be first engineer on a Soviet space station (Cosmos 557 and Soyuz 11). More...

Aksyonov Aksyonov, Vladimir Viktorovich (1935-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 22, Salyut 6 EP-6. More...

Sevastyanov Sevastyanov, Vitali Ivanovich (1935-2010) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 9, Soyuz 18. More...

Dolgopolov Dolgopolov, Gennadi Aleksandrovich (1935-2008) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1966-1967. Graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), 1959 Civilian Engineer, Korolev OKB. Retired due to medical reasons. Worked thereafter at NPO Energia. More...

Volkov Volkov, Vladislav Nikolayevich (1935-1971) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 7, Soyuz 11. Member of first space station crew, however perished during landing. From 1958 a civilian engineer, Korolev OKB, involved in the development of the Vostok and Voskhod spacecraft. More...

Nikitsky Nikitsky, Vladimir Prtrovich (1939-) Russian engineer cosmonaut candidate, 1967. More...

Ryumin Ryumin, Valeri Viktorovich (1939-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 25, Salyut 6 EO-3, Salyut 6 EO-4, STS-91. Was married to astronaut Yelena Kondakova. 371 cumulative days in space. Civilian Engineer, Korolev OKB More...

Savinykh Savinykh, Viktor Petrovich (1940-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 6 EO-6, Salyut 7 EO-4-1a, Mir EP-2. More...

Ivanchenkov Ivanchenkov, Aleksandr Segeyevich (1940-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 6 EO-2, Salyut 7 EP-1. Graduated MAI, 1964 Civilian Engineer, Korolev OKB. Trained for a Buran flight. From 1993 served as deputy director of 29th Department, RKK Energia. More...

Andreyev Andreyev, Boris Dmitriyevich (1940-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1972-1983. Off flight roster for medical reasons. Civilian Engineer, Korolev OKB More...

Strekalov Strekalov, Gennadi Mikhailovich (1940-2004) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 6 EO-5, Soyuz T-8, Soyuz T-10-1, Salyut 7 EP-3, Mir EO-7, Mir EO-18. Survived first manned launch pad abort. Flew in space six times. More...

Lebedev Lebedev, Valentin Vitalyevich (1942-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Soyuz 13, Salyut 7 EO-1. More...

Aleksandrov Aleksandrov, Aleksandr Pavlovich (1943-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 7 EO-2, Soyuz TM-3. More...

Serebrov Serebrov, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich (1944-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 7 EP-2, Soyuz T-8, Mir EO-5, Mir EO-14. Ten spacewalks. 372 cumulative days in space. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. More...

Solovyov, Vladimir Solovyov, Vladimir Alekseyevich (1946-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Salyut 7 EO-3, Mir EO-1. Member of first crew to fly between two space stations during a single mission. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Baturin Baturin, Yuri Mikhailovich (1949-) Jewish-Russian engineer cosmonaut 1997-2009. Flew on Mir EP-4, ISS EP-1. More...

Manarov Manarov, Musa Khiramanovich 'Mussachi' (1951-) Lakets-Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-3, Mir EO-8. 541 cumulative days in space. Graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute with an engineering diploma in 1974 Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. Later a Director of Smolsat. More...

Laveykin Laveykin, Aleksandr Ivanovich (1951-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-2. More...

Yemelyanov Yemelyanov, Sergei Aleksandrovich (1951-1992) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1984-1992. Graduated from MAI, 1974 Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. Cosmonaut training November 1985 - October 1986. Left cosmonaut cadre for medical reasons. Manager for AO TPK "Prodmarket". Died of a heart attack. More...

Pronina Pronina, Irina Rudolfovna (1953-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1980-1992. More...

Budarin Budarin, Nikolai Mikhailovich (1953-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-19, Mir EO-25, ISS EO-6. Made nine spacewalks totalling 1.93 days. 444 cumulative days in space. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Balandin Balandin, Aleksandr Nikolayevich (1953-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. Flew on Mir EO-6. Left cosmonaut corps for medical reasons and returned to NPO Energia until departing in 1994. Then President of Lendint-Association until 2000. More...

Vinogradov Vinogradov, Pavel Vladimirovich (1953-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-24, ISS EO-13. 380 cumulative days in space. Civilian Engineer, Energiya NPO. More...

Polishchuk Polishchuk, Aleksandr Fyodorovich (1953-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-13. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Avdeyev Avdeyev, Sergei Vasilyevich (1956-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-12, Mir EO-20, Mir EO-26/-27. 747 cumulative days in space. Ten spacewalks. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Kaleri Kaleri, Aleksandr Yuryevich (1956-) Latvian-Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-11, Mir EO-22, Mir EO-28, ISS EO-8, ISS EO-25. 769 cumulative days in space. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. More...

Kuleshova Kuleshova, Natalya Dmitriyevna (1956-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1980-1992. Graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute named after Grigori (Sergo) K. Ordzhonikidze, 1978. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO. From 1992 she worked as an engineer at NPO Energia, Department 292. More...

Kondakova Kondakova, Yelena Vladimirovna (1957-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-17, STS-84. Engineer, first Russian woman to fly in space for other than propaganda reasons. Was married to astronaut Valeriy Ryumin. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Zaitsev Zaitsev, Andrei Yevgenyevich (1957-2010) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1985-1996. More...

Usachyov Usachyov, Yuri Vladimirovich (1957-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-15, Mir EO-21, STS-101, ISS EO-2. 552 cumulative days in space. More...

Lazutkin Lazutkin, Aleksandr Ivanovich (1957-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on Mir EO-23. Civilian Engineer, Energiya NPO. More...

Treshchev Treshchev, Sergey Yevgenyevich (1958-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on ISS EO-5. Civilian Engineer, Energiya NPO More...

Krikalyov Krikalyov, Sergei Konstantinovich (1958-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, Energia NPO, 1985-2009. Flew on Mir EO-4, Mir LD-3, STS-60, STS-88, ISS EO-1, ISS EO-11. World record for total duration spent in space (803 days). First Russian to fly aboard an American spacecraft. Flew in space six times. More...

Yurchikhin Yurchikhin, Fyodor Nikolayevich (1959-) Georgian-Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on STS-112, ISS EO-15,ISS EO-24. 373 cumulative days in space. Engineer, Energia NPO. More...

Tyurin Tyurin, Michael Vladislavovich (1960-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on ISS EO-3, ISS EO-14. Civilian Engineer, Energiya NPO. More...

Korniyenko Korniyenko, Mikhail Borisovich (1960-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1998-on. Graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute, 1987 Worked as an engineer at KBOM, then transferred to RKKE. Cosmonaut training completed November 19, 1999. More...

Kyzhelnaya Kyzhelnaya, Nadezda Vasilyevna (1962-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1994-2004. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Borisenko, Andrei Borisenko, Andrei Ivanovich (1964-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 2003-on. Flew on ISS EO-27. More...

Revin Revin, Sergey Nikolayevich (1966-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1996-on. More...

Frolov Frolov, Yevgeni A Russian engineer cosmonaut candidate, 1964. Civilian Engineer, Korolev bureau. On 18 May 1964 selection as cosmonaut not approved. More...

Kozeyev Kozeyev, Konstantin Mirovich (1967-) Russian engineer cosmonaut. Flew on ISS EP-2. More...

Skripochka Skripochka, Oleg Ivanovich (1969-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 1997-on. Civilian Engineer, Energia NPO More...

Artemyev Artemyev, Oleg Germanovich (1970-) Latvian engineer cosmonaut, 2003-on. More...

Serov, Mark Serov, Mark Vyacheslavovich (1974-) Russian engineer cosmonaut, 2003-on. An engineer at RKK Energia since 1998. More...

Tikhonov Tikhonov, Nikolai Vladimirovich Russian engineer cosmonaut, 2006-on. Graduated MAI, 2005. More...

Associated Countries

Russia Russian Federation Space Systems More...

Associated Spacecraft

Korolev Rocket Plane Russian manned rocketplane. Study 1938. Korolev was already sketching rocketplanes similar to the Me-163 before World War II. This was one concept from his sketchbook. More...

RP-318 Russian manned rocketplane. Korolev adapted his SK-9 glider in 1936 as the first rocked-powered aircraft in the Soviet Union. More...

Zenit Russian military surveillance satellite. Study 1956. Work began on the original Zenit spy satellite on 30 January 1956. After the success of Sputnik Sergei Korolev advocated that manned spaceflight should have first priority. More...

MPK Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 1956. This first serious examination in the Soviet Union of manned flight to Mars was made by M Tikhonravov. More...

Suborbital Cabin Russian manned spacecraft. Study 1956. In 1956 Korolev laid out an outline plan 'Fast Solutions for the Conquest of Space'. Phase I and II of the plan involved experimental manned sub-orbital flights aboard an R-5A single-stage IRBM. More...

Sputnik 1 Russian technology satellite. One launch, 1957.10.04. Tikhonravov's 1.4 metric ton ISZ satellite was to have been launched by the new R-7 ICBM as the Soviet Union's first satellite, during the International Geophysical Year. More...

Sputnik 2 Russian biology satellite. One launch, 1957.11.03. More...

TMK-E Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 1960. Feoktistov felt that the TMK-1 manned Mars flyby design was too limited. His design group proposed in 1960 a complete Mars landing expedition, to be assembled in earth orbit using two or more N1 launches. More...

Sputnik 3 Russian earth magnetosphere satellite. 2 launches, 1958.04.27 (Sputnik failure) to 1958.05.15 (Sputnik 3). In July 1956 OKB-1 completed the draft project for the first earth satellite, designated ISZ (Artificial Earth Satellite). More...

Luna E-1 Russian lunar impact probe. 4 launches, 1958.09.23 (Luna failure) to 1959.01.02 (Luna 1). The first spacecraft to achieve escape velocity and the first to reach the Moon. The spacecraft was sphere-shaped. Five antennae extended from one hemisphere. More...

Early Soviet Lunar Lander Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1958. Painting of early Soviet concept of a lunar lander. This was similar to Von Braun designs popular in the 1950's. More...

Sever Russian manned spacecraft. Study 1959. Sever was the original OKB-1 design for a manned spacecraft to replace the Vostok. It was designed to tackle such problems as maneuvering in orbit, rendezvous and docking, and testing of lifting re-entry vehicles. More...

Luna E-1A Russian lunar impact probe. 2 launches, 1959.06.18 (Luna) to 1959.09.12 (Luna 2). First probe to impact lunar surface. Delivered a pennant to the surface of the Moon and conducted research during flight to the Moon. More...

Luna E-3 Russian lunar flyby probe. 3 launches, 1959.10.04 (Luna 3) to 1960.04.19 (Luna). The E-3 was designed to loop around the moon and photograph the Moon's far side. More...

TMK-1 Russian manned Mars flyby. Study 1959. In 1959 a group of enthusiasts in OKB-1 Section 3 under the management of G U Maksimov started engineering design of this first fantastic project for manned interplanetary travel. More...

Vostok Russian manned spacecraft. 13 launches, 1960.05.15 (Korabl-Sputnik 1) to 1963.06.16 (Vostok 6). First manned spacecraft. Derivatives were still in use in the 21st Century for military surveillance, earth resources, mapping, and biological missions. More...

OS Russian manned space station. Study 1960. In 1960 Korolev proposed a military orbital station (OS), with a crew of 3 to 5, orbiting at 350 to 400 km altitude. More...

Mars 1M Russian Mars flyby probe. 2 launches, 1960.10.10 (Mars probe 1M s/n 1 failure.) to 1960.10.14 (Mars probe 1M s/n 2 failure.). Mars probe intended to photograph Mars on a flyby trajectory. More...

L1-1960 Russian manned lunar flyby spacecraft. Study 1960. Circumlunar manned spacecraft proposed by Korolev in January 1960. The L1 would a man on a loop around the moon and back to earth by 1964. More...

L4-1960 Russian manned lunar orbiter. Study 1960. Lunar orbiter proposed by Korolev in January 1960. The spacecraft was to take 2 to 3 men to lunar orbit and back to earth by 1965. More...

Venera 1VA Russian Venus probe. 2 launches, 1961.02.12 (Sputnik 7) to (Venera 1). The 1VA probe, the first spacecraft sent towards Venus, consisted of a cylindrical body topped by a dome, totaling 2 meters in height. More...

TKS Heavy Space Station Russian manned space station. Study 1961. The TKS (Heavy Space Station, also known as TOSZ - Heavy Orbital Station of the Earth) was Korolev's first 1961 project for a large N1-launched military space station. More...

Zenit-2 Russian military surveillance satellite. 81 launches, 1961.12.11 (Zenit-2 11F61 s/n 1) to 1970.05.12 (Cosmos 344). The Zenit-2 was a derivative of the manned Vostok, and the Soviet Union's first spy satellite. More...

Soyuz A Russian manned spacecraft. Study 1962. The 7K Soyuz spacecraft was initially designed for rendezvous and docking operations in near earth orbit, leading to piloted circumlunar flight. More...

Soyuz B Russian space tug. Study 1962. In the definitive December 1962 Soyuz draft project, the Soyuz B (9K) rocket acceleration block would be launched into a 225 km orbit by a Soyuz 11A511 booster. More...

Soyuz V Russian logistics spacecraft. Cancelled 1964. In the definitive December 1962 Soyuz draft project, the Soyuz B (9K) rocket acceleration block would be launched into a 225 km orbit by a Soyuz 11A511 booster. More...

Vostok-Zh Russian manned spacecraft. Study 1961. The Vostok-Zh (or Vostok-7) maneuverable manned satellite was piloted by a single 'cosmonaut assemblyman'. More...

OS-1962 Russian manned space station. Study 1962. On 10 March 1962 Korolev approved the technical project "Complex docking of spacecraft in earth orbit - Soyuz". This contained the original Soyuz L1 circumlunar design. More...

L1-1962 Russian manned lunar flyby spacecraft. Study 1962. Early design that would lead to Soyuz. A Vostok-Zh manned tug would assemble rocket stages in orbit. It would then return, and a Soyuz L1 would dock with the rocket stack and be propelled toward the moon. More...

1MS Russian technology satellite. 2 launches, 1962.04.06 (Cosmos 2) to 1962.10.25 (1MS). Early Kosmos launcher payloads of unknown purpose, possibly from Korolev OKB. More...

OP Russian manned space station. Study 1962. Korolev's next attempt to win military support for development of the N-I was his fantastic 'Orbitalniy Poyas' (OP -Orbital Belt) scheme of 20 April 1962. More...

2MS Russian technology satellite. 2 launches, 1962.04.24 (Cosmos 3) to 1962.05.28 (Cosmos 5). Early Kosmos launcher payloads of unknown purpose, possibly from Korolev OKB. More...

Mars 2MV-1 Russian Venus probe. 2 launches, 1962.08.25 (Sputnik 19) to 1962.09.01 (Sputnik 20). More...

Mars 2MV-2 Russian Venus probe. One launch, 1962.09.12, Sputnik 21. More...

OS-1 (1965) Russian manned space station. Reached mock-up stage, 1965. More...

Mars 2MV-4 Russian Mars flyby probe. 2 launches, 1962.10.24 (Sputnik 22) to 1962.11.01 (Mars 1). Mars probe intended to photograph Mars on a flyby trajectory. More...

Mars 2MV-3 Russian Venus probe. One launch, 1962.11.04, Sputnik 24. Mars probe intended to make a soft landing on Mars. More...

Luna E-6 Russian lunar lander. 12 launches, 1963.01.04 (Sputnik 25) to 1966.01.31 (Luna 9). E-6 probes were designed by Korolev's OKB-1 with the objective of making the first soft landing on the moon and beaming back pictures of the surface. More...

L3-1963 Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1963. Korolev's original design for a manned lunar landing spacecraft was described in September 1963 and was designed to make a direct lunar landing using the earth orbit rendezvous method. More...

L2-1963 Russian lunar rover. Study 1963. The L2 was a project to land a remote-controlled self-propelled rover on the surface of the moon. It was described in a 23 September 1963 letter setting out the space exploration plan for 1965 to 1975. More...

L4-1963 Russian manned lunar orbiter. Study 1963. The L-4 Manned Lunar Orbiter Research Spacecraft would have taken two to three cosmonauts into lunar orbit for an extended survey and mapping mission. More...

L5-1963 Russian manned lunar rover. Study 1963. The L-5 Heavy Lunar Self-Propelled Craft would be used for extended manned reconnaissance of the lunar surface. More...

Global Communications Satellite Using Nuclear Power Russian military communications satellite. Study 1963. In 1963 Korolev's OKB proposed development of a massive nuclear-powered geosynchronous satellite, which would be launched by the N1 superbooster. More...

Mavr Russian manned Mars flyby. Study 1963. A variation of the TMK-1 scenario by Maksimov's unit would still use a single N1 launch. However a flyby of Venus would be undertaken on the return voyage from Mars. More...

Elektron-A Russian earth magnetosphere satellite. 2 launches, 1964.01.30 (Elektron 1) to 1964.07.11 (Elektron 3). The Elektron mission was one of the earliest Soviet satellites to be authorized following the initial Sputnik series. More...

Elektron-B Russian earth magnetosphere satellite. 2 launches, 1964.01.30 (Elektron 2) to 1964.07.11 (Elektron 4). The Elektron mission was one of the earliest Soviet satellites to be authorized following the initial Sputnik series. More...

Voskhod Russian manned spacecraft. 5 launches, 1964.10.06 (Cosmos 47) to 1966.02.22 (Cosmos 110). More...

Mars 3MV-4A Russian Mars flyby probe. 2 launches, 1964.11.30 (Zond 2) to 1965.07.18 (Zond 3). Mars probe intended to photograph Mars on a flyby trajectory. Elaboration of station systems and scientific research in interplanetary space. More...

L3 Russian manned lunar expedition. Development begun in 1964. All hardware was test flown, but program cancelled in 1974 due to repeated failures of the project's N1 launch vehicle. More...

Soyuz 7K-TK Russian manned spacecraft. Cancelled 1966. To deliver crews to the Soyuz R 11F71 station Kozlov developed the transport spacecraft 11F72 Soyuz 7K-TK. More...

Luna E-6S Russian lunar orbiter. 2 launches, 1966.03.01 (Cosmos 111) to 1966.03.31 (Luna 10). More...

Soyuz 7K-OK Tether Russian manned spacecraft. Study 1965. Korolev was always interested in application of artificial gravity for large space stations and interplanetary craft. He sought to test this in orbit from the early days of the Vostok program. More...

KK Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 1966. Work on the TMK project continued, including trajectory trade-off studies and refinement of the design. More...

Luna E-6LF Russian lunar orbiter. 2 launches, 1966.08.24 (Luna 11) to 1966.10.22 (Luna 12). Photographed lunar surface and orbital space environment in preparation for manned missions. More...

Soyuz 7K-OK Russian manned spacecraft. 17 launches, 1966.11.28 (Cosmos 133) to 1970.06.01 (Soyuz 9). Development of a three-manned orbital version of the Soyuz, the 7K-OK was approved in December 1963. More...

Luna E-6M Russian lunar lander. One launch, 1966.12.21, Luna 13. Modernized version of the E-6 with the ALS lander mass increased from 84 kg to 150 kg. Conducted further scientific investigation of the moon and circumlunar space. More...

OS-1 (1969) Russian manned space station. Study 1969. By 1969 the giant OS-1 space station had evolved to this configuration. More...

Soyuz 7K-L1 Russian manned lunar flyby spacecraft. 12 launches, 1967.03.10 (Cosmos 146) to 1970.10.20 (Zond 8). The Soyuz 7K-L1, a modification of the Soyuz 7K-OK, was designed for manned circumlunar missions. More...

Luna E-6LS Russian lunar orbiter. 3 launches, 1967.05.17 (Cosmos 159) to 1968.04.07 (Luna 14). The E-6LS was a radio-equipped version of the E-6 used to test tracking and communications networks for the Soviet manned lunar program. More...

Soyuz OB-VI Russian manned space station. Cancelled 1970. In December 1967 OKB-1 chief designer Mishin managed to have Kozlov's Soyuz VI project killed. In its place he proposed to build a manned military station based on his own Soyuz 7K-OK design. More...

L5-1967 Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1967. At a Lunar Soviet meeting in October 1967 preliminary agreement was reached to study a follow-on to the first N1-L3 lunar landings. A new N1 model was to be developed to launch a new 'L5' spacecraft. More...

L3M-1970 Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1970. The first design of the L3M lunar lander had the crew of two accommodated in a Soyuz capsule atop the lander. More...

Nauka Russian earth magnetosphere satellite. 45 launches, 1968.03.21 (Nauka) to 1979.08.17 (Cosmos 1122 Nauka). The Nauka containers were flown as piggy-back payloads aboard Zenit reconnaissance satellites. They served a dual purpose. More...

Aelita Russian infrared astronomy satellite. Cancelled 1982. The Aelita infrared astronomical telescope spacecraft was derived from the Soyuz manned spacecraft and had an unusually long gestation. More...

Soyuz 7K-L1A Russian manned lunar orbiter. 2 launches, 1969.02.21 (N-1 3L) to 1969.07.03 (N-1 5L). Hybrid spacecraft used in N1 launch tests. More...

Soyuz Kontakt Russian manned spacecraft. Cancelled 1974. Modification of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft to test in earth orbit the Kontakt rendezvous and docking system. More...

MKBS Russian manned space station. Cancelled 1974. The culmination of ten years of designs for N1-launched space stations, the MKBS would be cancelled together with the N1. More...

Soyuz 7K-L1E Russian manned lunar orbiter. 2 launches, 1969.11.28 (Soyuz 7K-L1E s/n 1) and 1970.12.02 (Cosmos 382). Modification of Soyuz circumlunar configuration used in propulsion tests of the Block D stage. More...

MEK Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 1969. The Mars Expeditionary Complex (MEK) was designed to take a crew of from three to six to Mars and back with a total mission duration of 630 days. More...

OS-1 Lunar Russian manned lunar orbiter. Study 1969. A version of the OS-1 station was proposed for use in lunar orbit. No other details beyond this sketch. More...

LK Russian manned lunar lander. 3 launches, 1970.11.24 (Cosmos 379) to 1971.08.12 (Cosmos 434). The LK ('Lunniy korabl' - lunar craft) was the Soviet lunar lander - the Russian counterpart of the American LM Lunar Module. More...

L3M Russian manned lunar base. Study 1970-1972. Follow-on to the L3, a two N1-launch manned lunar expedition designed and developed in the Soviet Union between 1969 and 1974. More...

Salyut 1 Russian manned space station. 2 launches, 1971.04.19 (Salyut 1) and 1972.07.29 (Zarya s/n 122). Salyut 1 was the first DOS long duration orbital station. More...

Soyuz 7KT-OK Russian manned spacecraft. 2 launches, 1971.04.23 (Soyuz 10) to 1971.06.06 (Soyuz 11). This was a modification of Soyuz 7K-OK with a lightweight docking system and a crew transfer tunnel. More...

Mars 1986 Russian manned Mars expedition. Studied 1978-1986. NPO Energia resumed study of a Mars project once development began of the new Energia booster in place of the cancelled N1. More...

Soyuz 7K-LOK Russian manned lunar orbiter. 2 launches, 1971.06.26 (N-1 6L) to 1972.11.23 (LOK). The two-crew LOK lunar orbiting spacecraft was the largest derivative of Soyuz developed. More...

DLB Lunokhod 2 Russian manned lunar rover. Study 1971. One of several conceptual models of Lunokhod or Marsokhod pressurized surface rovers planned for Soviet moon or Mars expeditions. More...

L3M-1972 Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1972. Revised L3M design of the L3M lunar lander for use with the Block Sr crasher stage. The Soyuz return capsule was completely enclosed in a pressurized 'hangar'. More...

Soyuz 7K-T Russian manned spacecraft. 23 launches, 1972.06.26 (Cosmos 496) to 1981.05.14 (Soyuz 40). More...

Salyut 4 Russian manned space station. 2 launches, 1973.05.11 (Cosmos 557) to 1974.12.26 (Salyut 4). Four of the initial DOS-1 versions of a civilian Soviet space station were built using converted Almaz military stations. More...

Soyuz 7K-TM Russian manned spacecraft. 4 launches, 1974.04.03 (Cosmos 638) to 1975.07.15 (Soyuz 19 (ASTP)). The Soyuz 7K-T as modified for the docking with Apollo. More...

Soyuz 7K-T/A9 Russian manned spacecraft. 8 launches, 1974.05.27 (Cosmos 656) to 1978.06.27 (Soyuz 30). Version of 7K-T for flights to Almaz. Known difference with the basic 7K-T included systems for remote control of the Almaz station and a revised parachute system. More...

Soyuz 7K-S Russian manned spacecraft. 3 launches, 1974.08.06 (Cosmos 670) to 1976.11.29 (Cosmos 869). The Soyuz 7K-S had its genesis in military Soyuz designs of the 1960's. More...

LEK Lunar Expeditionary Complex Russian manned lunar base. Cancelled 1974. Although the N1, L3, and DLB projects were cancelled, Glushko still considered the establishment of a moon base to be a primary goal for his country. More...

MTKVA Russian manned spaceplane. Study 1974. Manned lifting body spaceplane, designed by Soviet engineers as a recoverable spacecraft in the early 1970's. More...

LEK Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1973. Lunar lander for the Vulkan surface base. As in the original LK lunar lander, this would be taken to near zero velocity near the lunar surface by the Vulkan Block V 'lunar crasher' rocket stage. More...

Lunokhod LEK Russian manned lunar rover. Study 1973. Lunar rover for the Vulkan Lunar Expedition. The rover provided pressurized quarters for 2 crew, allowing trips up to 200 km from the lunar base at a top speed of 5 km/hr. More...

LZhM Russian manned lunar habitat. Study 1973. Laboratory-living module. Three story lunar surface residence and laboratory for Vulkan-launched Lunar Expedition. More...

LZM Russian manned lunar habitat. Study 1973. Laboratory-Factory Module for the Vulkan surface base. More...

Mir-2 Russian manned space station. Study 1989. The Mir-2 space station was originally authorized in the February 1976 resolution setting forth plans for development of third generation Soviet space systems. More...

Soyuz 7K-MF6 Russian manned spacecraft. One launch, 1976.09.15, Soyuz 22. Soyuz 7K-T modified with installation of East German MF6 multispectral camera. Used for a unique solo Soyuz earth resources mission. More...

Salyut 6 Russian manned space station. One launch, 1977.09.29. The Salyut 6 space station was the most successful of the DOS series prior to Mir. It was aloft for four years and ten months, completing 27,785 orbits of the earth. More...

Progress Russian logistics spacecraft. 43 launches, 1978.01.20 (Progress 1) to 1990.05.06 (Progress 42). Progress took the basic Soyuz 7K-T manned ferry designed for the Salyut space station and modified it for unmanned space station resupply. More...

Soyuz T Russian manned spacecraft. 18 launches, 1978.04.04 (Cosmos 1001) to 1986.03.13 (Soyuz T-15). Soyuz T had a long gestation, beginning as the Soyuz VI military orbital complex Soyuz in 1967. More...

EA Russian manned Mars lander. Studied 1978-1986. Mars landing craft originally designed for aborted 1972 Aelita Mars study by OKB-1, and revived in the 1980's for new Energia-launched Mars expedition studies. More...

USB Russian military anti-satellite system. Study 1978. As platforms for operational versions of space-borne weapons NPO Energia designed a Universal Service Block, based on the DOS-7K space station, in the late 1970's/early 1980's. More...

37K-Mir Russian manned space station. Cancelled 1983. The basic 37K design consisted of a 4.2 m diameter pressurized cylinder with a docking port at the forward end. It was not equipped with its own propulsion system. More...

37KS Russian manned space station module. Cancelled 1983. Would have been launched by Proton and delivered and docked to the Mir station by a new lighter weight FGO tug. More...

LO Russian manned space station. Study 1984. A later version of the 37K design for civilian experiments, the LO Laboratory Compartment, would be retained in the payload bay of Buran and connected to the orbiter's cockpit area by an access tunnel. More...

Salyut 7 Russian manned space station. One launch, 1982.04.19. Salyut 7 was the back-up article for Salyut 6 and very similar in equipment and capabilities. More...

Multipurpose Satellite Gals Russian earth resources radar satellite. Study 1983. Heavy radar satellite based on the DOS 17K space station bus and using a KRT-30, a 30 m diameter radiotelescope. More...

Energia Ozone Replenishment Satellite Russian earth environment satellite. Study 1984. The eroding ozone layer of the earth would be replenished using a constellation of space-based lasers that would bombard the stratosphere at 30 km altitude for 30 years. More...

Energia Nuclear Waste Disposal Russian burial satellite. Study 1984. The entire inventory of high-level nuclear waste (100 metric tons) would be permanently disposed of in a solar orbit at 1. 2 AU between Earth and Mars using 10 to 15 launches of the Energia launch vehicle. More...

Energia Geostationary Platform Russian earth land resources satellite. Study 1984. Energia could place observation platforms of 18 to 21 metric tons in geostationary orbit. More...

Energia-Buran Russian manned spaceplane. Study 1984. Article number for combined Energia (launch vehicle) - Buran (manned spaceplane) complex. See Buran for details. More...

Energia Orbital Debris Remover Russian earth environment satellite. Study 1984. A 15 metric ton maneuverable satellite, consisting of an engine unit and a satellite collection mechanism, would maneuver at geosynchronous altitude in orbits with inclinations of between 0 and 14 degrees. More...

Energia Polar City Illuminator Russian earth environment satellite. Study 1984. The Energia launch vehicle could be used to launch 100 orbital reflectors to provide light to cities located in the polar regions. More...

Energia Control Sat Russian military surveillance satellite. Study 1984. This satellite would consist of a 33 metric ton equipment bus and a 17 metric ton rocket stage. It would be placed in a 600 km / 97 degree orbit for arms control and environment monitoring. More...

Globis Russian communications satellite. Studied 1984-1994. Lox/LH2 upper stages launched by Energia would put 21 metric ton communications satellites into geosynchronous orbit. More...

Zarya Russian manned spacecraft. Cancelled 1989.' Super Soyuz' replacement for Soyuz and Progress. More...

RP Russian military anti-satellite system. Study 1985. For interception of enemy ICBM's during boost phase NPO Energia developed a space based rocket interceptor (RP) similar to American 'Brilliant Pebble' systems. More...

VKS Russian manned spaceplane. Study 1986. The Energia VKS was designed as a hypersonic rocketplane with multi-regime engines, in response to the Soviet Ministry of Defenses' MVKS single-stage reusable aerospaceplane system requirement. More...

Mir Russian manned space station. One launch, 1986.02.20. Improved model of the Salyut DOS-17K space station with one aft docking port and five ports in a spherical compartment at the forward end of the station. More...

Soyuz TM Russian manned spacecraft. 34 launches, 1986.05.21 (Soyuz TM-1) to 2002.04.25 (Soyuz TM-34). More...

Mir complex Russian manned space station. Assembled 1986 to 1996. Designation given to the entire Mir space station. More...

Buran Russian manned spaceplane. One launch, 1988.11.15. Soviet copy of the US Space Shuttle. Unlike the Shuttle, the main engines were not mounted on Buran and were not reused. More...

37KB Russian manned space station module. One launch, 1988.11.15. Carried in the payload bay of the Buran space shuttle. They could remain attached to the bay or (modified to the 37KBI configuration) be docked to the Mir-2 station. More...

Energia Lunar Expedition Russian manned lunar base. Study 1988. In 1988, with development of the Buran space shuttle completed, Glushko ordered new studies on a lunar based that could be established using the Energia booster. More...

KS Russian military orbital bombing system. Study 1988. To co-ordinate the actions of multiple space combat units, NPO Energia proposed in the 1980's a KS space station. More...

LOK Energia Russian manned lunar orbiter. Study 1988. Lunar orbiter for Energia-launched lunar expedition. The LOK and LK lander would be inserted into lunar orbit by separate Energia launches. More...

LK Energia Russian manned lunar lander. Study 1988. Lunar lander for Energia-launched lunar expedition. The LOK and LK lander would be inserted into lunar orbit by separate Energia launches. More...

Mir-2 KB Salyut Russian manned space station. Cancelled 1988. Alternative design for the Mir-2 space station by KB Salyut. If Polyus had successfully made it to orbit, it might have been the core for such a station. More...

Progress M Russian logistics spacecraft. Operational, first launch 1989.08.23 (Progress M-1). Progress M was an upgraded version of the original Progress. New service module and rendezvous and docking systems were adopted from Soyuz T. More...

Mars 1989 Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 1989. In 1989 yet another Mars project was proposed by NPO Energia. More...

Gamma Russian gamma ray astronomy satellite. One launch, 1990.07.11. The Gamma USSR/France gamma/x-ray astronomical telescope spacecraft was derived from the Soyuz manned spacecraft and had an unusually long gestation. More...

KRT-25 Radio Telescope Russian radio astronomy satellite. Study 1990. In collaboration with the European Space Agency, a 25 m diameter space radio telescope was studied for launch by Energia in 2001. More...

ERTA Russian space tug. Study 1992. ERTA (Elecktro-Raketniy Transportniy Apparat) was a nuclear-electric space tug designed to be boosted on medium boosters and provide both propulsion and electrical power for unmanned planetary probes. More...

Energia Ecosat Russian earth land resources satellite. Study 1992. More...

Progress M2 Russian logistics spacecraft. Cancelled 1993. As Phase 2 of the third generation Soviet space systems it was planned to use a more capable resupply craft for the Mir-2 space station. More...

ISS Russian Science and Power Platform Russian manned space station module. Cancelled 1994. The RSPP was originally going to be launched on six Russian Proton rockets fairly early during the ISS assembly phase. More...

Mars Together Russian Mars orbiter. Study 1994. In 1994-95, RKK Energia, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory analyzed the project 'Mars Together'. More...

Mir-Shuttle Docking Module Russian manned space station. One launch, 1995.11.12. A specialized SO docking module was originally designed for docking the Buran space shuttle with the Mir-2 space station. More...

Signal Russian communications satellite. Study 1995. The RKK Energia and Polyot PO teamed up with other industries to propose the Signal constellation of low earth orbit communications satellites. More...

Alpha Lifeboat Russian manned rescue spacecraft. Study 1995. 1995 joint Energia-Rockwell-Khrunichev design for space station Alpha lifeboat based on the Zarya reentry vehicle with a solid retrofire motor, cold gas thruster package. Five years on-orbit storage. More...

Yamal Russian communications satellite. 4 launches, 1999.09.06 (Yamal 101) to 2003.11.24 (Yamal-200 KA-2). The Yamal communications satellite bus was developed by RKK Energia for Gazprom. More...

ISS Commercial Enterprise Module American manned space station module. Study 1999. The Russian economic crisis provided some intriguing opportunities for private industry. More...

Progress M1 Russian logistics spacecraft. 11 launches, 2000.02.01 (Progress M1-1) to 2004.01.29 (Progress M1-11). Progress M1 was a modified version of the Progress M resupply spacecraft capable of delivering more propellant than the basic model to the ISS or Mir. More...

ISS Zvezda Russian manned space station. One launch, 2000.07.12, Zvezda. The Zvezda service module of the International Space Station had its origins a quarter century before it was launched. More...

Marpost Russian manned Mars expedition. Study 2000. In December 2000 Leonid Gorshkov of RKK Energia proposed a manned Mars orbital expedition as an alternative to Russian participation in the International Space Station. More...

Progress M-SO Russian docking and airlock module for the International Space Station. First launch 2001.09.14. Delivered to the station by the Progress service module, which was jettisoned after docking. More...

ISS Pirs Russian manned space station module. One launch, 2001.09.14. Russian docking and airlock module for the International Space Station. The Stikovochniy Otsek No. 1 (SO1, Docking Module 1), article 240GK No. More...

Soyuz TMA Russian three-crew manned spacecraft. Operational, first launch 2002.10.30. Designed for use as a lifeboat for the International Space Station. After the retirement of the US shuttle in 2011, Soyuz TMA was the only conveying crews to the ISS. Except for the Chinese Shenzhou, it became mankind's sole means of access to space. More...

Kliper Russian manned spaceplane. Study 2004. The Kliper manned spacecraft replacement for Soyuz was first announced at a Moscow news conference on 17 February 2004. More...

DSE-Alpha Russian manned lunar flyby spacecraft. Study 2005. Potential commercial circumlunar manned flights were offered in 2005, using a modified Soyuz spacecraft docked to a Block DM upper stage. More...

Yakhta Russian communications satellite. One launch, 2006.06.17, Kazsat 1. RKK Energia-developed communications satellite, believed to be a larger development of the Yamal. More...

Parom Russian logistics spacecraft. Study 2009. In its latest iteration, RKK Energia's Parom was a reusable interorbital tug intended to transport cargo containers and the Kliper manned ferry from low earth orbit to the International Space Station. More...

Big Soyuz Russian manned spacecraft. Study 2018. This enlarged version of the Soyuz reentry vehicle shape was one alternative studied for the next-generation Russian launch vehicle. More...

Associated Engines

11B97 Korolev nuclear electric/xenon rocket engine. 450 mN. Engine for Interorbital Tug for launch by Energia. Developed 1978-1986. Isp=3000s. Powered by nuclear reactor providing 50-150 kWt for 3 to 5 years operation. More...

11D121 Korolev GOX/Kerosene rocket engine. 68.650 kN. N-1 stage 1 (block A) roll control engine. Developed 1969-74. Gimbaling +/- 45 degree. Propellants are fed from main engine (NK-15, NK-33) turbopumps. Isp=313s. Chamber Pressure: 71.60 bar. More...

17D15 Korolev GOX/Sintin rocket engine. 4 kN. Buran OMS large verniers. Out of Production. Isp=295s. Large verniers for Buran orbital propulsion system 17D11. Uses synthetic kerosene ('Sintin') for high specific impulse. Oxygen is gaseous in system. More...

17D11 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 86.3 kN. Buran OMS and verniers. Out of Production. Buran orbital propulsion system, including 2 x 17D12, 38 x 17D15, 8 x RDMT-200K Isp=362s. More...

17D12 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 86.3 kN. Out of Production. Isp=362s. Version of RD-58 for Buran orbital propulsion system 17D11. Used synthetic kerosene ('Sintin') for higher specific impulse. More...

8D726 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 66.7 kN. GR-1 Stage 3, N-11GR - V. Development based on S1.5400. Isp=350s. More...

RD-58M Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 83.4 kN. Proton 8K824K / 11S824M; 11S824F; 11S86; 11S861; 17S40 stage 4 (block DM). In production. Isp=353s. First flight 1974. More...

RD-58MF Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 83.4 kN. In Production. Isp=353s. Multi-function variant of RD-58 for uprated upper stages applications (Zenit stage 3, Angara). Block-DM-SL for Sea-Launch may have used RD-58M. More...

RD-58S Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 86.3 kN. Proton 8K82K / 11S861-01 stage 4 (block DM). Version 17D12 for Buran OMS. Version uses synthetic kerosene ('Sintin') for higher specific impulse. Isp=361s. First flight 1994. More...

RD-58Z Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 71 kN. Zenit stage 3. Developed 1981-1990. Isp=361s. More...

RD-58 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 83.4 kN. Isp=349s. High-performance upper-stage engine developed for N1 lunar crasher stage, but saw general use as restartable Block D upper stage of Proton launch vehicle. First flight 1967. More...

S1.35800 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 30 kN. R-7 verniers. Out of Production. Thrust variable 2.5-3.1 tf More...

S1.5400 Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 66.7 kN for Molniya 8K78 Stage 3. Flew 1960-1965. Isp=340s. Designed by Korolev; passed to Isayev for production. Began a series of engines leading through the 8D726 for GR-1 to the Block D for the N1 and Proton. More...

S1.5400A Korolev Lox/Kerosene rocket engine. 67.3 kN. Molniya 8K78M-3. Isp=342s. First flight 1964. More...

YaERD-2200 Korolev nuclear/lh2 rocket engine. 81 kN. Developed 1962-69. More...

YaRD Type A Korolev nuclear/lh2 rocket engine. 177 kN. Study 1963. Design considered in N1 nuclear upper stage studies. Outgrowth of work done by Bondaryuk and Glushko on YaRD engines for nuclear ICBM's, but using liquid hydrogen as propellant. Isp=900s. More...

YaRD Type AF Korolev nuclear/lh2 rocket engine. 196 kN. Study 1963. Design considered in N1 nuclear upper stage studies. Outgrowth of work done by Bondaryuk and Glushko on YaRD engines for nuclear ICBM's, but using liquid hydrogen as propellant. Isp=950s. More...

YaRD Type V Korolev nuclear/lh2 rocket engine. 392 kN. Study 1963. Design considered in N1 nuclear upper stage studies. Outgrowth of work done by Bondaryuk and Glushko on YaRD engines for nuclear ICBM's, but using liquid hydrogen as propellant. Isp=900s. More...

YaRD Type V-B Korolev nuclear/lh2 rocket engine. 392 kN. Study 1963. Isp=900s. Design considered in N1 nuclear upper stage studies. This version had 7,000 kg bioshield for manned missions. Used liquid hydrogen as propellant. More...

See also

Manufacturer Manufacturers of space-related hardware. More...

Associated Flights

Vostok 5 Crew: Bykovsky. Joint flight with Vostok 6. Record flight duration. Spacecraft ended up in a lower than planned orbit and quickly decayed - temperatures in the service module reached very high levels and the flight returned early. Backup crew: Volynov, Leonov. More...

Vostok 6 Crew: Tereshkova. Joint flight with Vostok 5. First woman in space. Tereshkova did not reply during several communications sessions. To this day it is not known if she was paralysed with fear, or if there was an equipment failure. Backup crew: Solovyova, Ponomaryova. More...

Voskhod 1 Crew: Feoktistov, Komarov, Yegorov. First three-crew spaceflight. Altitude record (336 km). First crew to fly without spacesuits. First non-pilot crew (engineer that designed the spacecraft and a physician). Backup crew: Katys, Lazarev, Volynov. More...

Associated Launch Vehicles

GIRD-09 Russian sounding rocket. The first rocket successfully launched by the Soviet GIRD organisation was a hybrid, using a liquid oxygen to burn gelled petroleum in large casing. Development of the rocket was begun by GIRD's second brigade under M K Tikhonravov. More...

GIRD-10 Russian sounding rocket. The first liquid propellant rocket launched in the Soviet Union, the GIRD-10 used liquid oxygen and alcohol propellants, pressure-fed to the combustion chamber by nitrogen gas. More...

217/I First anti-aircraft missile flown in the USSR. The 217/I had a conventional aircraft layout, with a main wing and aerodynamic control surfaces on the tail. More...

217/II Pre-World War II anti-aircraft missile flown in the USSR. The 217/II follow-on to the 217/I had the first 'rocket' layout - four small wings, each all-moving. More...

212 Russian air-to-surface missile. Korolev's second design for a rocket-propelled cruise missile. It was flight tested twice after his arrest in 1939 but work was then abandoned. More...

RDD Russian tactical ballistic missile. The RDD - Long range rocket - was assigned to Korolev in November 1944 in response to the German V-2. Korolev was given charge of a team of 60 engineers and required to provide a draft project in three days. The resulting two-stage design used Lox/Alcohol propellants and an autopilot for guidance. It was proposed that a 5 tonne thrust rocket, 110 mm in diameter, would be available by 1945. A 250 tonne thrust, solid fuelled, 280 mm diameter, 4 m long rocket would be ready by 1949. These designs evolved into the more refined D-1 and D-2 before being overtaken by the post-war availability of V-2 technology. More...

D-1 Russian tactical ballistic missile. Korolev design for a 'long range' rocket prior to orders to copy the V-2. The 1000 kg rocket would have a range of 32 km. Wingspan 1.0 m; 370 kg propellants; minimum range 12..8 km; maximum velocity 854 m/s; maximum altitude 12.5 km. More...

D-2 Russian tactical ballistic missile. Korolev design for a 'long range' rocket prior to orders to copy the V-2. Extended-range winged version of the D-1. The 1200 kg rocket would have a range of 76 km. Wingspan 1.5 m; 370 kg propellants; minimum range 20 km; maximum velocity 628 m/s; maximum altitude 10.7 km. More...

R-3 Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. Development of the long-range R-3 missile was authorised at the same time as the V-2-derived R-1 and R-2 rockets in April 1947. Supplemental authorisation was contained in a government decree of 14 April 1948.The specification was an order of magnitude leap from the other vehicles - to deliver a 3 tonne atomic bomb to any point in Europe from Soviet territory - a required range of 3000 km. To achieve this objective innovative technology was needed in every area of the missile design. Korolev was again in direct competition with the design to the same specification of the captured Germans (Groettrup's G-4). More...

R-1 Russian short range ballistic missile. Stalin did not decide to proceed with Soviet production of this copy of the German V-2 until 1948. Despite the threatening supervision of the program by Stalin's secret police chief, Beria, and the assistance of German rocket engineers, it took eight years for the German technology to be absorbed and the missile to be put into service. It was almost immediately superseded by later designs, but the effort laid the groundwork for the Soviet rocket industry. Surplus R-1's were converted to use as a sounding rockets for military and scientific research missions. More...

R-1A Russian short range ballistic test vehicle. Experimental missile for testing warhead separation. More...

R-2 Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. The Soviet R-2 ballistic missile was developed in 1947-1953, nearly in parallel with the R-1 from which it derived. It incorporated many detailed improvements, had double the range of the R-1 and V-2, and was equipped with a deadly radiological warhead. The ethyl alcohol used in the V-2 and R-1 was replaced by methyl alcohol in the R-2, eliminating the problem of the launch troops drinking up the rocket fuel. Versions of the R-2 for suborbital manned flight were studied by Korolev in 1956-1958, but it was decided instead to move directly to orbital flights of the Vostok. However some equipment tested on the R-2 found its way onto canine flights of Sputnik and Vostok. The R-2 design was transferred to China in 1957 to 1961, providing the technical basis of the Chinese rocket industry. More...

R-2E Russian intermediate range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-2E prototype tested technological innovations planned for the production R-2 missile. These included use of an integral fuel tank and a seperable warhead. More...

EKR Russian intermediate range cruise missile. B Chertok of NII-8 took the preliminary German R-13 cruise missile design and elaborated it, including consideration of the key problem of long-range automatic astronavigation. By 1951 to 1953 Korolev's design bureau had prepared an experimental design, the EKR. I Lisovich had developed a prototype astronavigation system that met the necessary specifications, and solution of basic problems in use of steel and titanium hot airframe technology had been solved at VIAM (All-Union Institute of Aviation Materials) and MVTU Bauman Institute. An expert commission in 1953 examined the EKR design and felt that there were still many technical problems to be solved, most of which were better handled by an aircraft designer rather than Korolev. More...

R-3A Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. So much new technology was involved for the R-3 that it was deemed necessary to build an R-3A intermediate experimental rocket, based on the R-2. This would be flown to test new construction methods, guidance systems, and high energy propellants. The R-3A was specified in 1949 to have a 900 to 1000 km range with a payload of 1530 kg; an unfuelled mass of 4100 kg; 20,500 kg of propellants; and a lift-off thrust of 40 tonnes. The R-3A could also serve as a prototype for a more modest IRBM. Flight tests of the R-3A were scheduled for October 1951. More...

YaKhR-2 Russian nuclear-powered orbital launch vehicle. First large space launcher considered in the Soviet Union. It would have had the same layout as the R-7, but with six strap-ons increased in size by 50%. The core, igniting at altitude, used a nuclear thermal engine using ammonia as propellant. Dropped in favor of development of conventional chemical propulsion. More...

R-1V Russian short range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-1V version was designed for scientific research at altitudes of up to 100 km, including study of cosmic rays; properties of the atmosphere; solar spectra; effects if zero-G and radiation on animals; and development of recovery of the entire missile using parachutes in order to reuse it for further experimental launches. More...

R-1B Russian short range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-1B version was designed for scientific research at altitudes of up to 100 km, including study of cosmic rays; properties of the atmosphere; solar spectra; effects if zero-G and radiation on animals; and development of recovery of the entire missile using parachutes in order to reuse it for further experimental launches. More...

R-1 8A11 Russian short range ballistic missile. Initial production version. More...

R-5 Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. The R-5 was the first Soviet missile to be armed with a nuclear warhead, the first for which the new southern facility at Dnepropetrovsk took over full design and production responsibility. It was also the end of the road in being the ultimate extrapolation of German V-2 technology. Later missiles of both Yangel and Korolev would use other propellants and engine designs. More...

T-1 Original conceptual design for ICBM. Final design was R-7 due to unachievability of mass ratio for this single stage design. Data from chart at Russian Space Agency HQ. More...

A-1 (R-1) Single stage vehicle. More...

R-1D Russian short range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-1B version was designed for scientific research at altitudes of up to 100 km, including winds aloft, the ionosphere, and effects of spaceflight and recovery of living animals. More...

R-2R Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. More...

R-5M Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. The R-5M was the first Soviet missile to be armed with a nuclear warhead, and the first to launch a live nuclear warhead in test. The technical characteristics were virtually the same as those of the R-5 basic model, except for an increase in the propellant load. 48 launchers were deployed from 1956 to 1968, tipped with nuclear warheads of 80 kiloton, 300 kiloton, or 1 megaton. More...

R-1E Russian short range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-1E version was designed for scientific research at altitudes of up to 100 km, including winds aloft, air composition, solar radiation, the ionosphere, ozone layer characteristics, and effects of spaceflight and recovery of living animals. More...

R-1E (A-1) Russian short range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. More...

R-2A Russian intermediate range ballistic suborbital launch vehicle. The R-2A was designed for scientific research at altitudes of up to 200 km, including properties of the atmosphere from 150-200 km; ultraviolet observations of the sun; recovery of animals from flights to 200 km altitude; and study of the ionosphere at altitudes of 150-200 km. More...

R-7 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. The world's first ICBM and first orbital launch vehicle. The 8K71 version was never actually put into military service, being succeeded by the R-7A 8K74. More...

Soyuz Russian orbital launch vehicle. The world's first ICBM became the most often used and most reliable launch vehicle in history. The original core+four strap-on booster missile had a small third stage added to produce the Vostok launch vehicle, with a payload of 5 metric tons. Addition of a larger third stage produced the Voskhod/Soyuz vehicle, with a payload over 6 metric tons. Using this with a fourth stage, the resulting Molniya booster placed communications satellites and early lunar and planetary probes in higher energy trajectories. By the year 2000 over 1,628 had been launched with an unmatched success rate of 97.5% for production models. Improved models providing commercial launch services for international customers entered service in the new millenium, and a new launch pad at Kourou was to be inaugurated in 2009. It appeared that the R-7 could easily still be in service 70 years after its first launch. More...

Sputnik 8K71PS Russian intercontinental ballistic orbital launch vehicle. Relatively unmodified R-7 ICBM test vehicles used to launch first two Sputniks. More...

R-5A Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. Vertical launch version of the R-5 missile for geophysical experiments retaining the nose cone of the IRBM, but equipped with a parachute recovery system. Experiments carried included solar ultraviolet spectroscopes, mass spectrometers for atmospheric composition studies, and capsules carrying dogs for zero-gravity biologically research. More...

Sputnik 8A91 Russian intercontinental ballistic orbital launch vehicle. Modified R-7 ICBM used to launch Sputnik 3. More...

Luna 8K72 Russian orbital launch vehicle. R-7 ICBM with single-engine upper stage used for early Soviet unmanned lunar shots. More...

R-11A Russian suborbital launch vehicle. Version of the R-11 'Scud' missile used as a sounding rocket. First launched in 1957, and capable of taking 250 to 400 kg of payload to 100 to 160 km altitude. The payloads were enclosed in a spherical re-entry capsule, which was gyro-stabilised to ensure instruments could be pointed precisely at the sun or other astronomical target. More...

R-5V Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. Vertical launch version of the R-5 missile for geophysical experiments under the Vertikal international program, equipped with a spherical re-entry capsule and a parachute recovery system. A wide range of international astrophysics and geophysics instruments were carried. More...

R-7A Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. The R-7A was an improved version of the R-7 first ICBM, and the one actually deployed to pads in Baikonur and Plesetsk. The missile saw service from 1960 to 1968. Four pads at Plesetsk, and one reserve pad at Baikonur, were operational at the peak of deployment in 1962. These were the Soviet Union's only strategic missile deterrent during the Cuban Missile Crisis. More...

OKB-456 Russian intercontinental range ballistic missile. Variant using a Glushko nuclear engine heating ammonia as a propellant. More...

OKB-670 Russian intercontinental range ballistic missile. Variant using a Bondaryuk nuclear engine heating mixed alcohol and ammonia as a propellant. More...

Superraket Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. The ancestor of the N1 lunar launch vehicle, this was the first heavy lift launch vehicle actively considered in the USSR. The 2,000 tonne liftoff mass was similar to the later N1 design, but the first stage would use a staggering cluster of around 66 Kuznetsov NK-9 engines (as opposed to the modest 24 NK-15's of the first N1 configuration). The real difference was in the second stage, which used the nuclear YaRD engine, giving the launch vehicle nearly double the later N1's payload capacity. More...

Vostok 8K72 Russian orbital launch vehicle. 8K72 Luna launch vehicle, third stage modified with larger forward cylindrical section to accomodate Vostok-sized spacecraft. Used only for launch of first few prototype Vostoks. More...

Molniya 8K78 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Four stage derivative of the R-7 ICBM developed on a crash-program basis in 1960 for Soviet lunar and planetary deep space probe missions. The third stage found later use in the Voskhod and Soyuz launchers. By the 1970's mature versions of the launch vehicle were used almost entirely for launch of Molniya communications satellites and Oko missile early warning spacecraft into elliptical, 12-hour earth orbits. More...

Vostok 8K72K Russian orbital launch vehicle. R-7 ICBM with single-engine third stage, uprated from Luna launch vehicle and with forward fairing to accomodate Vostok/Zenit sized spacecraft. 8K72K, used for Vostok manned spacecraft launches and the first Zenit launch attempt. More...

YaRD ICBM Russian intercontinental range ballistic missile. Single-stage nuclear-powered ICBM designed by OKB-1. More...

Romashka Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Pad-launched version. More...

R-9 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. ICBM developed by Korolev OKB using liquid oxygen/kerosene propellants. The Soviet military favoured storable propellants as advocated by Glushko and implemented by Yangel and Chelomei. Development of the R-9 was protracted and it was deployed in only very limited numbers between 1964 and 1974. More...

MR Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Korolev studied this Multimodular Rocket (MR), based on stages already designed for the 8K74 and 8K77 (R-7 and R-9) missiles. As was the case of the 8K74, work on the design was stopped in September 1961. More...

8K79 Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. Korolev 1961 design for a single stage military rocket. A competing missile was selected for the requirement. More...

8K713 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. ICBM version. Article number sometimes erroneously given as 8K73. More...

8K73 Russian ballistic missile. Korolev project. Possibly designation for variant of GR-1. More...

8K76 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Version using storable propellants and Isayev engines. Studied but rejected prior to start of development. More...

8K77 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Version with vacuum-isolated liquid oxygen tanks to provide capability to hold ready for instant launch. Studied but never developed. More...

8K711 Russian ballistic missile. Korolev project. No other information available. More...

8K513 Russian anti-satellite missile. ASAT version. Little has emerged about Korolev's ASAT project, designed in competition with Chelomei's in 1961-1964. More...

R-9M Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Improved version with Kuznetsov engines in first and second stages. Development undertaken, but cancelled in favour of basic version with RD-111/RD-0106 engines. More...

R-11A-MV Russian suborbital launch vehicle. Sounding rocket version of R-11 with increased payload. More...

RT-1 The RT-1 (RT = rocket, solid in Russian) was the first large Soviet solid propellant ballistic missile. It was developed and tested in 1959-1963, but no production was undertaken due to its poor performance. More...

GR-1 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Korolev's entry in the 'Global Rocket' competition, a missile that could place a nuclear warhead in orbit, where it could come in under or behind American anti-ballistic missile defences, and be deorbited with little warning. Cancelled in 1964 in preference to Yangel's R-36-O. More...

Vostok 8A92 Russian orbital launch vehicle. The 8A92 was a modernized version of the Vostok booster used for launch of Zenit-2 reconnaisance satellites. More...

Molniya 8K78L Russian orbital launch vehicle. The Molniya 8K78L was designed by Korolev's design bureau for launching a manned spacecraft on a flyby of the Moon and return to earth. To achieve this it would have used Lox/LH2 engines in the third and fourth stages. Preliminary design was completed on 8 July 1962, but such technology was years away in the Soviet Union and the project was not pursued further. More...

R-5B Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. More...

N11 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. It was originally planned the N1 would form the basis of a family of launch vehicles that could replace existing ICBM-derived boosters. The N11 would use the second, third, and fourth stages of the N1. This would give it a lift-off mass of 700 tonnes and a 20 tonne payload into low earth orbit. It could replace Chelomei's Proton launch vehicle in the medium-lift role. More...

N111 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. It was originally planned the N1 would form the basis of a family of launch vehicles that could replace existing ICBM-derived boosters. The N111 would use the third and fourth stages of the N1, and the second stage of Korolev's R-9 ICBM. This would result in a lift-off mass of 200 tonnes and a five tonne payload. It could replace the R-7 derived boosters (Vostok and Soyuz) in this payload category. More...

N11GR Russian orbital missile. This 1962 project was designed by Korolev's OKB as a competitor to Chelomei's UR-500 against the military GR-2 (Global Rocket 2) requirement. The N-11GR was an adaptation of the basic N-11, derived from the second and third stages of the N1 heavy booster. The GR-2 was to be a kind of enormous multiple-warhead FOBS (fractional orbit bombing system). Surrounding the top of the second stage of the rocket, like bullets in an enormous revolver, were six final stages derived from the 8K713 GR-1 last stage. Each stage had a 1,500 kg nuclear warhead. More...

Molniya 8K78/E6 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Molniya adaptation for launch of E-6 lunar probes. More...

Desna Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Silo-launched version, silo hardened to 15-30 atmospheres overpressure. More...

N1 1964 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N1 launch vehicle for the N1-L3 lunar landing mission as described in the draft project of 1964. Design requirement for the single-launch lunar-orbit-rendezvous lunar landing was 2750 tonnes liftoff mass and 95 tonnes low earth orbit payload. The actual N1 that flew in 1969 to 1972 had lighter first and third stages, but never demonstrated a full fuel load using superchilled propellants as planned in the draft project.. More...

Sputnik 11A59 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Two stage version of Vostok 11A57. Used for flight test of prototype Chelomei ASAT after cancellation of UR-200 booster and before availability of Tsiklon. More...

Voskhod 11A57 Russian orbital launch vehicle. The 11A57 took the large third stage originally developed for the 8K78 interplanetary probe projects and applied it to increasing R-7 low earth orbit performance. It was primarily designed to launch the Zenit-4 reconnaisance satellite, but was also used for the Voskhod manned flights and later for a variety of other Zenit series versions. More...

N11 1963 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. A military variant of the N-11 which would use a powerful third stage, probably derived from the first stage of the 8K713 GR-1, to put up to 24 tonnes in low earth orbit. This was a competitor with Chelomei's UR-500K, which was selected instead for the heavy military payload mission. More...

N1 Nuclear A Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. A version of the N1 with a nuclear upper stage was studied by Korolev in 1963. It was concluded that the optimum design would allow a single N1 to launch a direct manned lunar landing and return. However for manned Mars missions, a nuclear electric engine was found to be much more efficient. This essentially killed further consideration of thermal nuclear upper stages within the bureau. More...

N1 Nuclear V-B Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. N1 with nuclear upper stage. This variant of the Type V nuclear engine used a very heavy radiation shield to protect the crew of any manned spacecraft payload. More...

N1 Nuclear AF Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. A variant of the first alternative considered in the 1963 nuclear N1 study. This was a 'high thrust' version of the Type A engine - apparently with higher propellant rate, lower specific impulse, and lower engine weight. Due to the very low density of the enormous liquid hydrogen upper stages, these immense vehicles would have been very ungainly (and had interesting stress problems during ascent!) More...

N1 Nuclear V Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. Second primary alternative considered for the 1963 nuclear N1 study. The immense liquid hydrogen tank of the second nuclear stage would have dwarfed the N1 first stage mounted below it in the shadows. The extremely poor thrust to weight ratio of the Type V engine design compared to that of the Type A remains unexplained. More...

Soyuz 11K55 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Version of the Soyuz launcher envisioned for the cancelled Soyuz B translunar rocket stage. More...

Soyuz 11K56 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Version of the Soyuz launcher envisioned for the cancelled Soyuz V tanker spacecraft. More...

N1 1962 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Final configuration of the N1 at the time of development go-ahead in 1962. The 75 tonne payload was to consist of the Raskat dispenser, which would have delivered 17 multi-megaton nuclear warheads, essentially destroying the United States in a single launch. The design also supported the OS-1 heavy space station and TMK manned Mars flyby requirements - as opposed to any manned lunar landing project. More...

Molniya 8K78M Russian orbital launch vehicle. Improved Molniya, in variants with Blocks ML, 2BL, or SO-L third stages according to payload. More...

N1 1969 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N1 launch vehicle, developed by Russia in the 1960's, was to be the Soviet Union's counterpart to the Saturn V. The largest of a family of launch vehicles that were to replace the ICBM-derived launchers then in use, the N series was to launch Soviet cosmonauts to the moon, Mars, and huge space stations into orbit. In comparison to Saturn, the project was started late, starved of funds and priority, and dogged by political and technical struggles between the chief designers Korolev, Glushko, and Chelomei. The end result was four launch failures and cancellation of the project five years after Apollo landed on the moon. Not only did a Soviet cosmonaut never land on the moon, but the Soviet Union even denied that the huge project ever existed. More...

Vostok 8A92M Russian orbital launch vehicle. Second generation space systems required injection of lighter but higher-altitude Meteor and other satellite payloads into sun-synchronous orbits. The 8A92M version was developed for this purpose. First use was the Meteor launch on 29 June 1977. More...

R-5 VAO Russian intermediate range ballistic missile. Vertical launch version of the R-5 missile for geophysical experiments using the High-Altitude Automatic Geophysical Station nose cone originally flown on the R-11, equipped with a parachute recovery system. . Experiments carried in the gyro-stabilised payload included solar ultraviolet spectroscopes and x-ray pinhole cameras. More...

Dolina Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Alternate silo-launched version, silo hardened to 15-30 atmospheres overpressure. More...

Molniya 8K78M 2BL Russian orbital launch vehicle. Improved Molniya variant with Blok-2BL upper stage for placement of Oko early-warning satellites into Molniya-class orbits with apogees of 38,000 km. More...

Molniya 8K78M ML Russian orbital launch vehicle. Improved Molniya variant with Blok-ML upper stage for placement of communications satellites into Molniya-class orbits with apogees of 38,500 km. More...

Vostok 11A510 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Version of R-7 launch vehicle with Vostok second stage and unknown third stage used only twice to launch prototype RORSATs. These satellites were originally to have been launched on the cancelled UR-200 launcher, and operational satellites used Tsyklon-2 launchers. More...

N-IM 1965 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N-IM would mark an tremendous increase in vehicle size and was the ultimate pure liquid oxygen/kerosene version considered. The first stage engines would be increased to 250 tonnes thrust, without reducing reliability, through use of higher engine chamber pressure. Propellant load in the first stage would be almost doubled. Second stage engine thrust would increase to 280 tonnes each and the second and third stages again enlarged. More...

N-IF 1965 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N-IF would be the first follow-on version with increased performance. The first stage engines would be increased in thrust from an average of 150 tonnes to 175 tonnes, and those in the second stage from 150 tonnes to 200 tonnes. The second and third stages would be substantially enlarged. More...

N-IFV-III Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Then N-IFV-III would add the Block V-III cryogenic third stage to the first and second stages of the N-IF. More...

N-IFV-II-III Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. N-IFV-II, III would use only the first stage from the N-1F, and use new cryogenic second and third stages. This cryogenic second stage seems not to have been pursued beyond the study phase. More...

N-IMV-III Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Then N-IMV-III would add the Block V-III cryogenic third stage to the first and second stages of the N-IM. This provided the second-highest performance of the variations considered and would certainly have been cheaper than the N-IFV-II, III. More...

N-IMV-II-III Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. N-IMV-II, III was the ultimate conventionally-powered N1 ever considered. It paired the monster N-1M first stage with new cryogenic second and third stages. Both liftoff thrust and payload of this vehicle would have been double that of the American Saturn V. More...

N-IUV-III Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N-IUV-III would replace the N-IU's conventional third stage with a LOX/LH2 cryogenic third stage. This was seen at the time as the first step in exploitation of cryogenic technology in Russia. Although pursued for some time, this large stage never went into development. The more modestly-sized Block R, Block S, and Block SR instead were put into development in the early 1970's. More...

N-IU Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N-IU would be the initial production version of the N1 following the mad rush to make the lunar landings. It would have essentially the same payload but would be substantially re-engineered for sharply improved reliability, most notably with autonomously operating engines. It is interesting to note that four years before the disastorous first flight Korolev already foresaw the potential engine problems that would be the downfall of the project. More...

RT-2 Development of the RT-2, the Soviet Union's first solid propellant ICBM, was undertaken by Sergei Korolev and his successor from 1961-1968. It was a huge technical challenge, involving technology in which the Russians had no prior experience. The high-priority RT-2 preoccupied Korolev and his team throughout the period of the moon race, and could be considered a factor in the loss of that race to the Americans. In the end only sixty were deployed, but these provided the technical basis for Russian ballistic missiles of the 1980's and beyond. More...

Soyuz 11A511 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Standardized launch vehicle designed to replace a proliferation of earlier models (8K72, 8A91, 8K74, 8K78, 11A57). Designed initially to support launch of the Soyuz complex (7K manned, 9K rocket stage, and 11k tanker) and Zenit-4 reconnaisance satellite. Later 'U' model extended to cover a range of follow-on satellites. Compared to 11A57, the telemetry system was reduced in mass to no more than 150 kg, and engines were cherry-picked for the vehicle core to ensure that specific impulse was no less than 252 seconds at sea level, 315 in vacuum. More...

Soyuz 11A514 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Version of Soyuz launcher with increased payload, designed to launch Soyuz R military reconnaisance satellite. Cancelled along with the Soyuz R project in 1966. Unknown differences to standard Soyuz to reach payload requirement of circa 6700 kg to 65 degree orbit. More...

N1M Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N1M was to be the first Soviet launch vehicle to use liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen high energy cyrogenic propellants. It was designed to launch payloads in support of the LEK lunar expeditions (two cosmonauts on the surface), the DLB (long-duration lunar base), and heavy unmanned satellites into geosynchronous and interplanetary trajectories. As originally conceived, the advanced propellants would be used in all upper stages. However due to delays in Kuznetsov development of a 200 tonne thrust Lox/LH2 engine, the final version used an N1 first stage, with a Block V-III second stage, and Blocks S and R third and fourth stages. More...

RT-2P Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. Development of the improved RT-2P version of the basic missile was authorised by decree 1004-365 of 18 December 1968. The overriding concern was imminent deployment by the Americans of the Safeguard anti-ballistic missile system, and the need for the missile to have the necessary countermeasures to defeat those defences. More...

N1F Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N1F would have been the definitive flight version of the N1, incorporating all changes resulting from the four flight tests of the vehicle, including the new Kuznetsov engines and 10% greater liftoff mass by using superchilled propellants in all stages. N1 8L would have been the first N1F configuration flight, with launch planned in the third quarter of 1975 at the time the project was cancelled. More...

Soyuz 11A511L Russian orbital launch vehicle. 11A511 with reinforced second stage, large fairing for earth orbit test of LK lunar lander. More...

N1F Sr Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The final more modest version of the N1F replaced the fourth and fifth stages of the N1 with the single liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen Block Sr stage. Development of the Sr stage was from May 1971 until cancellation of the N1 project in May 1974. More...

Soyuz 11A511M Russian orbital launch vehicle. Development of the Soyuz-M began in 1967 to launch the 6.6 metric ton Soyuz 7K-VI manned military spacecraft into a 65-degree inclination earth orbit. The spacecraft was cancelled, but development continued, and eight were Soyuz-M's were built and used to launch Zenit-4MT reconnaissance satellites in 1971-1976. The differences compared to the Soyuz-U are not known, and what (if anything) differentiated these Zenit-4MT missions from others is also a mystery. More...

Soyuz 11A511U Russian standardised man-rated orbital launch vehicle derived from the original R-7 ICBM of 1957. It has been launched in greater numbers than any orbital launch vehicle in history. Not coincidentally, it has been the most reliable as well. After over 40 years service in Russia, ESA built a new launch pad at Kourou which will keep it in service from three launch sites in three countries well into the mid-21st Century. More...

N1F-L3M Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The N1M was found to be too ambitious. The N1F of 1968 was instead pencilled in to be the first Soviet launch vehicle to use liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen high energy cyrogenic propellants. The N1F would have only used the Block S and Block R fourth and fifth stages in place of the N1's Block G and Block D. More...

RT-2M Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. The RT-2M was a modernised RT-2, developed under Savodskiy at Korolev's bureau beginning in the late 1960's in parallel with the RT-2P and using alternate new engines. This increased both range and payload compared to the RT-20. However the RT-2P was selected for further development. More...

RLA Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The RLA (Rocket Flight Apparatus) family of modular, lox/kerosene powered vehicles were designed by Glushko in 1974 to meet the Soviet military's third-generation space launch requirements. The approach was rejected by 1976 in favor of the Zenit/Energia family using both lox/kerosene amd lox/hydrogen stages. More...

N1-MOK Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Ultimate derivative of N1. Single-stage-to-orbit vehicle based on N1 Block A. Propellants changed to LH2/LOX, 16 x modified NK-33 engines + 4 Liquid Air Cycle Engine Liquid Air/LH2 boosters. All figures estimated based on tank volume of Block A and delivery of 90,000 kg payload to 450 km / 97.5 degree MKBS orbit. Briefly described in RKK Energia official history and in some detail in Peter James'
book Soviet Conquest from Space! More...

RLA-120 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Medium booster concept with a payload to low earth orbit of 30 metric tons using the RLA-120 core and a 150 metric ton upper stage. Glushko proposed that the RLA-120 would boost reconnaissance satellites and modules of his POS Permanent Orbital Station into a sun synchronous orbit beginning in 1979. The government rejected the RLA concept, but this design led directly to the successful Zenit-2 booster. More...

RLA-150 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Super-booster concept with a payload to low earth orbit of 250 metric tons using six modules as the first stage and the RLA-120 core. Glushko proposed that the booster could launch a Soviet manned Mars landing by 1983. The government rejected the RLA concept, but it did lead to the Energia booster of the 1980's. More...

RLA-135 Russian heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Heavyweight booster concept with a payload to low earth orbit of 100 metric tons using two modules as the first stage and the RLA-120 core. Glushko proposed that the booster could launch a Soviet manned lunar landing by 1981. The government rejected the RLA concept, but it did lead to the Zenit-2 and Energia boosters of the 1980's. More...

Vulkan Super heavy-lift version of Energia with six strap-on boosters, and in-line upper stages and payloads. The concept was put on the back burner when Energia / Buran development begun. More...

Soyuz 11A511U2 Russian orbital launch vehicle. Soyuz 11A511U2 used synthetic kerosene ('Sintin') in first stage for launch of premium reconnaisance satellite and manned payloads requiring just a bit more payload than the standard 11A511 could offer. Further use of the 11A511U2 abandoned in 1996 due to Sintin production stoppage. Later Soyuz spacecraft launched on standard Soyuz, with reduced payload and rendezvous with Mir in lower orbit accepted. More...

Kvant Russian orbital launch vehicle. The Kvant was the Soviet third generation light launch vehicle planned to replace the Kosmos and Tsyklon series. Unlike the vehicles it was to replace, the booster used non-toxic 'environmentally friendly' liquid oxygen/kerosene propellants. Although such a light launch vehicle was on Space Forces wish lists since 1972, full scale development was again deferred due to the crash effort on Soviet 'star wars' in the second half of the 1980's. RKK Energia marketed the vehicle design from 1994 to 2001, but could find no source for development funds. More...

VKS Russian SSTO winged orbital launch vehicle. RKK Energia's proposed solution to the Soviet government's MVKS requirement for a single-stage-to-orbit reusable aerospaceplane system was this 700-metric-ton, turboramjet/rocket mised propulsion design. Work began in 1986 but abandoned when the Soviet Union collapsed. More...

Energia The Energia-Buran Reusable Space System (MKS) began development in 1976 as a Soviet booster that would exceed the capabilities of the US shuttle system. Following extended development, Energia made two successful flights in 1987-1988. But the Soviet Union was crumbling, and the ambitious plans to build an orbiting defense shield, to renew the ozone layer, dispose of nuclear waste, illuminate polar cities, colonize the moon and Mars, were not to be. Funding dried up and the Energia-Buran program completely disappeared from the government's budget after 1993. More...

Groza Variant of the Energia launch vehicle with two strap-on boosters instead of four. This would have fullfilled the 50 tonne payload requirement had the third generation booster plan been fully implemented. More...

Energia/Buran Design version of Energia, with the reusable Buran manned spaceplane mounted to the side of the core. More...

Buran-T Fully recoverable version of Energia launch vehicle, with four winged boosters and a winged core stage. More...

Energia M Launch vehicle originally designed in the 1980's to fullfill the third generation 20-30 tonnes to orbit launcher requirement. It was an adaptation of the Energia launch vehicle, using two strap-on booster units instead of four, and a reduced-diameter core using a single RD-0120 engine instead of four. In the 1990's a structural test article was built and it was proposed that several Energia-M's be launched for commercial customers using surplus Energia components. No buyers came forward for the untested design. More...

Kvant-1 Russian orbital launch vehicle. From 1996-2001 RSC Energia carried out design studies on the Kvant-1 light launch vehicle with a low earth orbit payload capability of 1.8 to 3.0 metric tons. Market surveys seemed to indicate a need for a new launch vehicle of this class but development funding was not forthcoming. More...

Yamal Version of the Soyuz proposed with an Ariane 4 or Russian Lox/LH2 upper stage. More...

Soyuz 11A511U / Ikar Russian orbital launch vehicle. Standard Soyuz universal booster with the Ikar upper stage, derived from the propulsion system for the Kozlov Yantar series of spy satellites. More...

11A513 Russian intercontinental ballistic missile. FOBS version. Warhead accuracy 5 km along orbital track, 3 km to either side. OKB-1 estimated warhead would be detected by Western defences only two minutes before it detonated. The designation SS-10 was assigned by the DOD to the UR-200, but was commonly and erroneously applied to the GR-1, which was shown publicly after its cancellation. More...

Molniya 8K78M SOL Russian orbital launch vehicle. Improved Molniya variant with Blok SO-L upper stage for placement of Prognoz-class satellites in orbits with apogees of 200,000 km. More...

Soyuz M Rus project was to result in first major propulsion upgrade to R-7 family in forty years, using first stage engines derived from those developed for Zenit second stage to boost performance. It would have permitted launches from Plesetsk with same or greater payload than launch of standard Soyuz-U from Baikonur, permitting move of more launch operations back onto Russian territory. Instead the more modest Soyuz ST / Soyuz FG upgrades were made. More...

Sodruzhestvo Joint Kazakh-Russian-Ukrainian project announced in 2000 to produce an 'ecologically safe' replacement of the Proton booster that would use Energia launch facilities at Baikonur. No details available, and no more heard about it. More...

Soyuz 11A511U / Fregat Russian orbital launch vehicle. Standard Soyuz universal booster with the Fregat upper stage, derived from the propulsion system for Lavochkin interplanetary probes. More...

Soyuz FG Uprated Soyuz booster designed for high performance Russian government missions and delivery of Soyuz and Progress spacecraft to the International Space Station. Upgraded engines, modern avionics, reduced non-Russian content. Unknown differences to Soyuz ST. More...

Soyuz ST Uprated Soyuz booster designed for commercial customers. Upgraded engines, modern digital avionics, reduced non-Russian content. Can be used with either Ikar or Fregat upper stages. The 'FG' was the military version. More...

Onega Russian orbital launch vehicle. Launch vehicle proposed for the 'Kliper' manned spaceplane in 2004. The 'Onega' was a hitherto-unrevealed massive improvement of the reliable Soyuz. It would deliver double the payload to a space station orbit, and could be available by 2010 if funding was made available. More...

Soyuz ST / Fregat ST Uprated Soyuz booster designed for commercial customers. Upgraded engines, modern avionics, reduced non-Russian content. Uses Fregat upper stage. More...

N1 The N1 launch vehicle, developed by Russia in the 1960's, was to be the Soviet Union's counterpart to the Saturn V. The largest of a family of launch vehicles that were to replace the ICBM-derived launchers then in use, the N series was to launch Soviet cosmonauts to the moon, Mars, and huge space stations into orbit. In comparison to Saturn, the project was started late, starved of funds and priority, and dogged by political and technical struggles between the chief designers Korolev, Glushko, and Chelomei. The end result was four launch failures and cancellation of the project five years after Apollo landed on the moon. Not only did a Soviet cosmonaut never land on the moon, but the Soviet Union even denied that the huge project ever existed. More...

Associated Programs

Elektron Simultaneous study of the Earth's inner and outer radiation belts, cosmic rays and upper atmosphere by two spacecraft in different orbits. More...

ISS Finally completed in 2010 after a torturous 25-year development and production process, the International Space Station was originally conceived as the staging post for manned exploration of the solar systrem. Instead, it was seemed to be the death knell of manned spaceflight. More...

Luna Soviet lunar probe series. Lunas were the first manmade objects to attain of escape velocity; to impact on the moon; to photograph the far side of the moon; to soft land on the moon; to retrieve and return lunar surface samples to the earth; and to deploy a lunar rover on the moon's surface. More...

Mars Soviet Mars probes were intended to photograph Mars on flyby trajectories, followed by Mars orbit, landing, and Phobos reconnaisance missions. Essentially all of the series failed. More...

Mir The Mir space station was the last remnant of the once mighty Soviet space programme. It was built to last only five years, and was to have been composed of modules launched by Proton and Buran/Energia launch vehicles. These modules were derived from those originally designed by Chelomei in the 1960's for the Almaz military station programme. As the Soviet Union collapsed Mir stayed in orbit, but the final modules were years late and could only be completed with American financial assistance. Kept flying over a decade beyond its rated life, Mir proved a source of pride to the Russian people and proved the ability of their cosmonauts and engineers to improvise and keep operations going despite all manner of challenges and mishaps. More...

Molniya First Soviet communications satellite network. More...

Venera Russian series of spacecraft that explored the planet Venus. Venera spacecraft made the first soft landings on the surface of Venus and returned the first images from the surface. More...

Voskhod The Voskhods were adaptations of the single place Vostok spacecraft meant to conduct flights with up to three crew and for space walks in advance of US Gemini program. Work on the 3KV and 3KD versions of the basic Vostok spacecraft began with the decree issued on 13 April 1964. In order to accommodate more than one crew, the seats were mounted perpendicular to the Vostok ejection seat position, so the crew had to crane their necks to read instruments, still mounted in their original orientation. The Elburs soft landing system replaced the ejection seat and allowed the crew to stay in the capsule. It consisted of probes that dangled from the parachute lines. Contact with the earth triggered a solid rocket engine in the parachute which resulted in a zero velocity landing. More...

Vostok World's first manned spacecraft, it was later developed into the Voskhod, and numerous versions of Zenit recoverable reconnaisance, materials, and biological research satellites which remained in service into the 21st Century. More...

Associated Stages

Blok SO-L Lox/Kerosene rocket stage. 66.70 kN (14,995 lbf) thrust. Mass 6,200 kg (13,669 lb). More...

Korolev Chronology

1947 October 18 - . 07:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 010T.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 86 km (53 mi). Summary: Range achieved 206.7 km. Destroyed during ballistic portion of flight..

1947 October 20 - . 08:14 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 04T.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). Summary: Range achieved 231.4 km. Tore loose from launch stand; flew 180 km left of planned target..

1947 October 23 - . 14:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 08T. FAILURE: Payload destroyed, leading to rocket disintegration..

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Summary: Range achieved 29.4 km..

1947 October 28 - . 13:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 03T.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 87 km (54 mi). Summary: Range achieved 274.3 km. Achieved objectives..

1947 October 31 - . 13:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 06T. FAILURE: Loss of control on longitudinal axis..

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Summary: Range achieved 2 km..

1947 November 2 - . 15:14 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 14N.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 88 km (54 mi). Summary: Range achieved 260 km. Achieved objective..

1947 November 3 - . 12:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 30N. FAILURE: Rolled after launch and lost stabilization..

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Summary: Range achieved 2.3 km..

1947 November 4 - . 15:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 01T.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 89 km (55 mi). Summary: Range achieved 268 km. Met objectives..

1947 November 10 - . 09:39 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 21N. FAILURE: Lost guidance..

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi). Summary: Range achieved 24.4 km..

1947 November 13 - . 08:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 22N.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 89 km (55 mi).

1947 November 13 - . 14:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: V-2. Launch Vehicle: A-4. LV Configuration: A-4 19N.

Soviet V-2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 89 km (55 mi). Summary: Range achieved 270 km. Broke up on re-entry..

1948 September 17 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-4. FAILURE: Veered 51 degrees from flight path..

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Summary: First of 9 rockets of first test series. Veered 51 degrees from flight path..

1948 October 10 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-1.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Range achieved 300 km. Successful flight..

1948 October 13 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-9.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 October 21 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-6.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 October 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-10.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-3.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 November 3 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-12.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 November 4 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-2.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1948 November 5 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 I-11.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Ninth and last launch of first R-1 test series..

1949 May 7 - . 03:12 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 1.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 200 km. Ballistic launch. Expected range 210 km. Launched at 0612 local time. The launches were first made public by Tass on March 27, 1958: 'In May 1949 a single-stage Russian rocket attained an altitude of 109 km with an instrument payload of 120 to 130 kg'.

1949 May 10 - . 15:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 2.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 279.6 km. Ballistic launch. Expected range 210 km. Launched at 1857 local time..

1949 May 15 - . 02:48 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 3.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 210 km. Ballistic launch. Expected range 210 km. Launched at 0548 local time..

1949 May 16 - . 21:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 4.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 320 km. Ballistic launch. Expected range 210 km. Launched at 0055 local time..

1949 May 24 - . 01:40 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 5.

FIAR-1 Test/Aeronomy mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 32.9 km. Vertical launch. Expected range 22 km. Launched at 0440 local time. Carried two 85 kg Physical Measurement of Atmospheric Boundary (FIAR-1) containers, but they were not recovered..

1949 May 28 - . 01:50 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1A. LV Configuration: R-1A 6.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Test of separable warhead. Range achieved 31.9 km. Vertical launch. Expected range 22 km. Launched at 0450 local time. Carried two 85 kg Physical Measurement of Atmospheric Boundary (FIAR-1) containers, which were recovered but damaged; no science resulted

1949 September 10 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-1.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: First launch of second series - 10 preproduction and 11 prototype rockets available. A total of 20 were fired; six failures in 16 launches..

1949 September 11 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-2.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 13 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-11.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 14 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-4.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 17 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-8.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-5.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-9. FAILURE: Failure.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-15. FAILURE: Failure.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 25 - . 11:16 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2E. LV Configuration: R-2e 1.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Modification of R-1 missile to test R-2 concepts (integral fuel tank and seperable warhead). Range achieved 541.3 km. Deviation from aim point -0.2 km. Launched at 1416 local time..

1949 September 28 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-10.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 September 30 - . 11:49 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2E. LV Configuration: R-2e 2.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Range achieved 562.2 km. Deviation from aim point -9.3 km. Launched at 1449 local time..

1949 October 2 - . 11:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2E. LV Configuration: R-2e 3. FAILURE: Fire in tail compartment..

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Range achieved 324.1 km. Deviation from aim point -11.4 km. Launched at 1400 local time..

1949 October 3 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-14.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 8 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-16.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 8 - . 06:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2E. LV Configuration: R-2e 4.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Range achieved 569.8 km. Deviation from aim point -0.8 km. Launched at 0905 local time..

1949 October 10 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-12.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 11 - . 12:45 GMT - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2E. LV Configuration: R-2e 5. FAILURE: Fire in tail compartment..

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Range achieved 9 km. Deviation from aim point 1.7 km. Launched at 1545 local time..

1949 October 12 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-7.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 13 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-17.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 13 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-13.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 15 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-19.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 18 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-23.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-22.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 22 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-20.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1949 October 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 II-3.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Last and 20th launch in second R-1 test series..

1950 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 2.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 3. FAILURE: Failed to reach target.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: First launch to full range..

1950 October 21 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 1.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: First launch in first test series of protoype missiles..

1950 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 5.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 8.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 6.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 4.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 7.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 December 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 10.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 December 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 9.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 December 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 11.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1950 December 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 12. FAILURE: Failed to reach target.

First series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: Twelfth and final launch in prototype test series. All missiles failed to reach targets..

1951 January 29 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIA-1.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: First launch in winter test series. Carried dogs..

1951 January 30 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIA-5.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 January 31 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIA-2.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 February 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIA-6.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 February 2 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIA-3.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Last launch in winter test series..

1951 June 13 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-11.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: First launch in quality assurance test series of operational missiles..

1951 June 14 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-10.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 18 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-2.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-3.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 22 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-7.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-9.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 24 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-8.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 25 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-4.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 26 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-5.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1951 June 27 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1. LV Configuration: R-1 IIIB-14.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Last launch in quality assurance test series of operational missiles..

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-2.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-3.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-4.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-5.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-6.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-10.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-11.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-9.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-8.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-7.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-12.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1951 July 2 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-1.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: First launch in second test series..

1951 July 22 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1V. LV Configuration: R-1V 1.

Test / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: First Soviet rocket flight with animals (dogs Dezik and Zhegan). Maximum Altitude - 100 km. Payload, instruments, left and right animal containers all recovered. Smoke container failed..

1951 July 27 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 II-13.

Second series test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: Thirteenth and last launch of the second series. 12 of the 13 reached their targets..

1951 July 29 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1B. LV Configuration: R-1B 1.

Test / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Electrical failure. No payload recovery. Carried dogs..

1951 August 15 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1B. LV Configuration: R-1B 2.

Test / solar ultraviolet / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Payload, instruments, left and right animal containers all recovered. Smoke container failed. Carried dogs..

1951 August 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1V. LV Configuration: R-1V 1.

Test / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Payload, instruments, left and right animal containers all recovered. Smoke container functioned. Carried dogs..

1951 August 28 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1B. LV Configuration: R-1B 3.

Test / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Smoke container functioned; Instruments recovered..

1951 September 3 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1B. LV Configuration: R-1B 4.

Test / biology mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Summary: Payload, instruments, left and right animal containers all recovered. Smoke container failed. Carried dogs..

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-4.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-7.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-5.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-3.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-2.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-6.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-8.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 August 8 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-1.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: First launch of production quality assurance test series..

1952 August 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 220.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 August 21 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 105.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 August 25 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 320.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 September 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-10.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 September 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-9.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 September 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-13.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 September 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-11.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 September 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-12.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1952 September 18 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-2. Launch Vehicle: R-2. LV Configuration: R-2 KT-14.

Third series controlled test launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Summary: 14th and last launch in quality assurance testing. 12 of the 14 reached their targets..

1952 October 29 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 420.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 October 30 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 501.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 October 30 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 520.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1952 November 21 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 620.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 March 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1020.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 March 5 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 319.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 March 15 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5. FAILURE: Failure.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi). Unsuccessful. First Phase I trials launch of the 8 remaining rockets of the first production lot were fired, of which 6 reached the target area. The first launch was on 15 March 1953. The first successful flight was on 2 April 1953. The first full range flight came on 19 April 1953.

1953 March 18 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5. FAILURE: Failure.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1953 March 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 820.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 April 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Summary: Of the 8 rockets of the first production lot fired, 6 reached the target area..

1953 April 2 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 April 8 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5. FAILURE: Failure.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1953 April 18 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. LV Family: R-11. Launch Vehicle: R-11.

- . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi). Massive problems were encountered in the difficult test series - with poor-quality kerosene fuel, handling and leakage of the propellants, and reliable start of the engine. But the Red Army saw much more promise in the design than in Korolev's cumbersome liquid oxygen rockets.

1953 May 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. LV Family: R-11. Launch Vehicle: R-11.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1953 May 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 May 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Summary: Range achieved 270 km. First test launch of R-5..

1953 May 11 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 220.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 May 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase I state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Summary: Completion of first series of 8 R-5 flight tests. 2 achieved 270 km range, 5, 1200 km range, and one, 550 km range..

1953 June 3 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. LV Family: R-11. Launch Vehicle: R-11.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1953 July 6 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 420.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 10 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 16 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 820.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 17 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 520.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 19 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 320.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 620.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 26 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 720.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 27 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1020.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 28 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 920.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 28 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1220.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 October 30 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

State trials Phase 2 launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Summary: Through December 1953 there were 7 Phase II launches, one of which was unsuccessful. A maximum range of 1185 km was reached..

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 November 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 November 12 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1120.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 15 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1320.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 15 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 November 24 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1520.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1953 December 1 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1953 December 9 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-5. Launch Vehicle: R-5.

Phase 2 state trials launch - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1954 March 11 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1820.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 March 16 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1920.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 March 16 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1916.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 March 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1918.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 April 20 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. LV Family: R-11. Launch Vehicle: R-11.

Test mission - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 150 km (90 mi).

1954 April 23 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1720.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 April 24 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1910.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 April 26 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 1912.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1954 April 29 - . Launch Site: Kapustin Yar. Launch Complex: Kapustin Yar V-2. LV Family: R-1. Launch Vehicle: R-1 8A11. LV Configuration: R-1 8A11 No 2120.

Operational test - . Nation: USSR. Agency: Korolev. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).