Will Russia's answer to the Falcon 9 rocket ever take flight?
Summary
Russia is working on a reusable rocket called Amur, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but its development is delayed. Tests of a small demonstration version are planned to start in 2028, with flight tests expected by 2031, much later than originally planned.Key Facts
- Russia announced the reusable Amur rocket in 2017, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
- Amur is designed to have a reusable first stage powered by methane engines and to carry about 10.5 tons to low-Earth orbit.
- Initial plans targeted a 2026 launch, but the timeline has since been pushed back to 2031 for flight tests.
- The next step is testing a “demonstrator” rocket, which will perform small hops and landings starting in 2028.
- The Amur rocket intends to eventually replace the Soyuz 2 rocket used for Russian space missions to the International Space Station.
- Russia is behind other countries and companies like the US, China, and Japan, which have already launched and recovered reusable rockets.
- The RD-0169A engine for the Amur rocket is in early test stages.
- Russian officials emphasize the importance of quickly transitioning to the Amur to modernize their space program.
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