Russian UEC Developing Breakthrough Engine for Ultra-light Space Launchers

The United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Russia is developing a new engine, designated  NK-3 with a thrust of 4.5 tons for an ultra-light launch vehicle to lunch small satellites in low earth orbit.

The power plant will run on environmentally friendly fuel and feature a thrust vector control system for trajectory control.

The NK-3, developed by UEC-Kuznetsov, will power the first and second stages of the Voronezh ultra-light rocket. The first stage is designed to use 12 engines, and the second stage, one. These ultra-light rockets are designed to launch commercial satellites into Earth orbit, with a payload capacity of 250 kg. This will allow for the placement of relatively small satellites into a given orbit with high precision.

"The engine being developed by UEC will be available in several versions, including one with a multi-plane thrust vector control system. This will allow the rocket's trajectory to be changed. The power plant will run on environmentally friendly fuel, reducing the impact on the cosmodrome's ecosystem," UEC’s parent company, Rostec said in a release.

To speed up the process of manufacture, complex body parts are planned to be manufactured using additive technologies.

"The development of the new rocket engine is being carried out in stages. The chamber is being designed based on a prototype—the steering chamber of the production RD-107A—while the remaining components and parts are being designed from scratch. The new engine will also utilize modern technologies.

In 2025, the preliminary design was completed, and the development of working design documentation has begun. This is a highly pressing task, the solution to which will contribute to the development of the domestic space industry. Currently, engines and rockets of this class do not exist in Russia," noted Mikhail Remizov, UEC Deputy General Director for Strategy and Program and Project Management .

Engine testing is planned to be carried out with maximum use of the existing production facilities of the UEC-Kuznetsov enterprise, which ensures the full production cycle.