Dnepr Program
During 1992-2003 timeframe, a team of Russian and Ukrainian companies together with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) were involved in developing a commercial space launch system based on the technology of the SS-18 ICBMs being withdrawn from service.
The decision to build such a launch system was preceded by a number of scientific research and preliminary design efforts, which resulted in a conclusion that the most promising and cost effective solution for payload orbital insertion would be a space launch system based on the SS-18 heavy ICBM with minimum modifications of the original missile.
ISC Kosmotras was assigned the role of a team leader to build and commercially operate this SS-18 ICBM based space launch system and the entire program was given the name ‘Dnepr’.
Main features of the Dnepr Program are as follows:
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Use of proven SS-18 missiles and associated ground infrastructure that possess a long flight history;
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SS-18 launch record accounts for over 160 missions;
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Utilization of underground launch silos and ‘steam ejection’ type of liftoff thus minimizing the weather impact on the rocket and Space Head Module and allowing a long standby time inside the silo in a ready-for-launch condition;
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Availability of a ‘back-up’ launcher for the period of processing the primary rocket for launch;
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Availability of two launch bases: Baikonur (Kazakhstan) and Yasny (Russia);
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Availability of first stage impact areas in Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and other countries;
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Close cooperation with the Federal Space Agency of Russia (Roscosmos) and Russian Ministry of Defense (Strategic Rocket Forces, Space Forces), State Space Agency of the Ukraine.
Dnepr Program team incorporates leading rocket and space companies of Russia and Ukraine. Major team members are FSUE ‘Central Scientific and Research Institute of Machine Building’ (TSNIIMASH), JSC ‘Design Office of Special Machine Building’ (KBSM), FSUE ‘The Center for Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities Operation’ (TsENKI), JSC ASKOND, JSC Corporation Rosobschemash, State Enterprise ‘Yuzhnoye State Design Office Named After M.K. Yangel’ (YSDO), State Enterprise ‘Yuzhny Machine Building Plant Named After A.M. Makarov’ (Yuzhmash), Research and Production Enterprise ‘KHARTRON-ARKOS’ Ltd., Public Joint Stock Company ‘KHARTRON’, FSUE ‘Scientific and Production Association ‘IMPULSE’, Scientific and Production Enterprise ‘KHARTRON-PLANT’, Scientific and Engineering Center ‘EKON’.
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