RUSSIA'S KHRUNICHEV company is spearheading the planned development of a new satellite launcher, the Angara, capable of placing a 26t payload into low-Earth orbit, or 4.5t directly into geostationary orbit. Funding permitting, it could be available for launch by 2000.
The first stage uses the RD-170/171 liquid-oxygen and kerosene engine used on the operational Zenit booster, and the second stage, a version of the cryogenic RD-0120 engine which powered the core stage of the cancelled Energia booster. Liquid oxygen would be carried on four side-mounted tanks.
A range of optional third stages is planned, including the Breeze stage from the Rokot small-satellite launcher and the KVD cryogenic engine.
Source: Flight International