The Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) will soon consider draft designs of the Russian super-heavy launch vehicle (LV) submitted by Russian enterprises, TASS reports with reference to the CEO of Space Rocket Center Progress Alexander Kirilin (the enterprise has also submitted its draft design for consideration).

“It is expected that the Science and Technology Council of Roscosmos will consider draft designs of the super-heavy rocket submitted by Russian enterprises and one of them will be approved,” he said.

Kirilin added that RSC Progress submitted technical proposals for development of a LV using alternative fuel – liquefied natural gas to the Federal Space Agency. This project may be implemented in cooperation with Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center responsible for development of an upper stage of the new rocket. “Further activities will depend on decisions made by Roscosmos,” the CEO of the Samara-based enterprise added.

Yuri Koptev was appointed Chairman of the Science and Technology Council of Roscosmos, TASS reported with reference to the agency’s press-service. We remind you that Yuri Koptev was appointed Chairman of the Science and Technology Council of the United Rocket and Space Corporation earlier. He is also the former head of Rosaviacosmos, which was then transformed into the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).

It is expected that the super-heavy launch vehicle will be developed in the network of the Federal Space Program for 2016-2025. Its configuration should have been approved this January. Ex-head of Roscosmos, Oleg Ostapenko said that the rocket will be developed in two stages: at first the LV with a payload of 70-80 tons and then the LV with a payload of up to 190 tons. According to him, at first stage the rocket will be powered by an engine using oxygen, hydrogen and kerosene, and then methane-fueled engines will be developed.