In Russia create a lightweight version of the rocket “Proton-M” – GISMETEO.Novosti

According to the general designer of the carrier rocket “Proton” Alexander Medvedev, in “Roskosmos” is currently being developed a lightweight version of the missile. The second stage of “Proton-M” rocket will be removed, also need some more work, but in general, as Medvedev said, we are not talking about creating a new rocket, but only a modification of the existing. Designed rocket will output up to 5 tons of load on the geosynchronous transfer orbit, as well as the fall in price by 25%, which will affect the cost of reducing the load output.

© Roscosmos

Russia and Kazakhstan are working on a project “Baiterek”, the new implementation of the format which has already been agreed. The project goal is to create at the Baikonur space rocket complex. In this case a modified missile can become a

part of the project. It is understood that at the Baikonur launch complex will be erected for the launch of new carrier rockets of the middle class, the first stage of which will be equipped with an engine RD-171. Medvedev said that the grade of the second stage of the rocket is still under discussion, but it is already known that the engines will be selected from existing and upper stage, is likely to be modified by the DM.

«Proton» ?? This rocket heavy class, it was developed in the Khrunichev Center, “Proton-M” with the upper stage “Breeze-M” is able to place in orbit loads weighing more than 6 tonnes.