Roscosmos, the lead Russian space agency, has announced Project Korona: Creating a fully reusable launch vehicle.
At a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council, held at the Roscosmos facility — the Makeyev State Space Center –key technologies were detailed regarding the Korona research project. The feasibility of the project was reviewed, an effort that “will allow Russia to ensure independent access to space and enter the global space services market,” states a Roscosmos posting.
Development work will begin in 2026.
According to Roscomos, the Kornoa rocket
- will be able to quickly launch satellites into orbit,
- return damaged or retired spacecraft to Earth,
- fly from point A to point B, deliver cargo in minutes, or transport people across intercontinental distances.
Key advantages of Korona would be:
- high launch rates
- low cost of payload launch
- no need to identify impact areas
- the ability not only to launch but also to return cargo from orbit
- point-to-point flights
- preserving cargo in emergency situations
Missile design bureau
Image credit: Makeyev State Space Center
The JSC Makeyev Design Bureau is a Russian missile design company located in Miass, Chelyabinsk region, Russia. According to sources, Korona would be 98 feet (30 meters) tall, sporting a diameter of 33 feet (10 meters).
As a single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle capable of performing vertical takeoff and landing, Korona was reportedly studied by the Makeyev Design Bureau from 1992 to 2012. But its development was curtailed due to lack of funding.
In 2016, the design bureau reportedly resumed development of the vehicle and now appears to have been given the Roscosmos go-ahead.