The first launch of Angara heavy launch vehicle (LV) from Plesetsk cosmodrome is scheduled for December 25th 2014, RIA Novosti reports with reference to the head of the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), Oleg Ostapenko.
“So far we haven’t experienced any delays. According to reports the preparation is on schedule,” Ostapenko said.
Angara Family is being developed by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Centre; it comprises launch vehicles of different classes from light to heavy ones (payload varies from 1,5 to 35 tons). The first flight of heavy Angara launch vehicle is scheduled for 2018; the LV will be launched from Vostochny cosmodrome (Amur Region).
Roscosmos reported earlier that the new Angara LV would provide Russia with independent access to the space and allow reaching a new level of technology. The LV will be able to place heavy spacecraft into geostationary Earth orbit. All the components of the new rocket are manufactured in Russia providing the technological security. In addition, Angara will use eco-friendly fuel – oxygen and kerosene.
Angara-A5 is able to place into orbit any spacecraft previously carried by Proton LV. Angara will also be used to test the components of Russian next-generation manned spaceship (in an unmanned mode).