Reusable methane “Amur-LNG” will fly no earlier than 2028

It’s interesting to hear about the progress being made in the Russian space industry.

According to Daniil Subbotin, the deputy head of Progress RCC, the domestic methane-oxygen rocket Amur-SPG (Soyuz-7) is expected to make its first flight into space within the next five years. The specific timeline is planned from 2028 to 2030, with the technical design phase set to be completed by the end of 2024. During this design phase, some tests will be carried out, contributing to the rapid development of the first flight model of the rocket.

The Amur-SPG is described as a 55-meter tall rocket with a mass of approximately 350 tons. It will be equipped with marching power plants of the RD-0169A brand, which the first stage can recover. The chosen launch site for the rocket is the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

It’s interesting to note that other Russian space industry players are also exploring using methane as a fuel for their rockets. The “SR Space” startup is reportedly developing a reusable rocket that utilizes oxygen with methane. This rocket is designed for more modest tasks, with a mass not exceeding 500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 25 kilograms to near space.

These developments indicate the ongoing efforts to advance and diversify space technologies in Russia, focusing on more efficient and reusable rocket designs using methane-oxygen propellants. As the space industry progresses, we expect more advancements and innovations in space exploration and satellite launching capabilities.