Photo: Roscosmos
RD-107А/RD-108А engines made by Samara-based UEC-Kuznetsov of the United Engine Corporation ensured the launch of Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with Fregat booster and four telecommunications satellites. Power plants performed normally using pollution-free fuel – naphthyl.
Soyuz-2.1b with Fregat booster was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on October 22 at 11:57 PM Moscow time. Skif-D demonstration broadband Internet satellite – the first spacecraft within the Sfera Federal Project, and three Gonets-M telecommunications satellites were delivered to orbit.
The current launch was the first one when Soyus-2 type spacecraft engines used pollution-free fuel – naphthyl standardized for various types of rockets. RD-107А/108А engines installed on stages I and II of the rocket performed without any failures.
According to the national space exploration strategy in 2018-2019, V.P. Glushko NPO Energomash and UEC-Kuznetsov carried out a set of research, development and test operations on series-produced engines using new fuel, which confirmed performance and main specifications of RD-107А/RD-108А propulsion systems.
1S launch facility at the Vostochny Cosmodrome was switched to the new fuel – naphthyl – in 2021.
