Russia's UEC to Create Ultra-light Rocket Engine for Small Satellite Launch

Rostec subsidiary United Engine Corporation (UEC) is set to develop engines for Russia's first ultra-light rockets, tailored for launching commercial satellites into Earth orbit with a payload capacity of approximately 250 kg.

The corresponding agreement was signed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2024) by UEC General Director Vadim Badekha and Managing Partner of the Voskhod Venture Fund Ruslan Sarkisov. 

The parties agreed to develop modifications of liquid-propellant rocket engines for ultra-light launch vehicles. They will be used for the first and second stages of space rockets. The implementation of the project, investments in which will amount to 2.7 billion rubles, will be carried out by designers of the Samara enterprise ODK-Kuznetsov. Engines of this class are being created at UEC for the first time. 

“Signing an agreement of this level is of great importance for us. The project is strategically important; investments in it will amount to more than 2.7 billion rubles. For the first time in the history of modern Russia, an ultra-light rocket will be created, and the design bureau of the Samara enterprise ODK-Kuznetsov will act as a developer of engine modifications for it. UEC has a large design and technical base, uses the most modern technologies, which will make it possible to create a perfect product that will open up new opportunities for launching Russian satellites into low-Earth orbit,” said Vadim Badekha, General Director of UEC, member of the bureau of the central council of Soyuzmash Russia LLC. 

This year, UEC-Kuznetsov will begin development work taking into account the required technical characteristics of the engines.