he launch of the ultra-light Voronezh carrier rocket, 20 meters long and 2 meters in diameter, which runs on liquid fuel and is capable of placing up to 400 kg of cargo into a 500-km orbit, is planned for 2029, the Skolkovo Foundation press service reported. Skolkovo is coordinated by VEB.RF within a group of domestic development institutions and is working to achieve technological leadership.

"We’ve already completed the rocket’s preliminary design, are preparing drawings and 3D models, and have completed the second stage design mockup. Engine development has been contracted to the Samara-based UEC-Kuznetsov manufacturing facility," noted Nikolai Dzis-Voinarovsky, CEO of 3D Research and Development, as quoted by the press service.

It added that the primary function of ultra-light rockets is to replace retiring satellites in satellite constellations. "Using heavy rockets for this purpose is impractical, as it’s more expensive, and it also requires a long wait for the rocket to be fully loaded. Sometimes the wait can last years, while in emergency situations, there may be an urgent need to launch a satellite within hours. An ultra-light rocket is capable of solving this problem," the press service reported.

"Since Russia is currently actively developing its own satellite constellations, developing its own ultra-light rockets is highly relevant," Dzis-Voinarovsky emphasized. The first launch of the Voronezh carrier rocket is scheduled for December 2029.