MOSCOW. Sept 22 (Interfax) - The reusable first stage of the methane medium-lift rocket, Amur-LNG, could be used up to ten times, the state procurement website said.
According to the design specification, the two-stage carrier rocket will be designed according to a "tandem" pattern with a multiple-use first stage. It will also be possible to use the rocket once will "with elements of reusability removed."
The multiple-use variant will be capable of delivering at least 9.5 tonnes of payload to the low earth orbit; the single-use one, at least 12 tonnes.
"The multiple use of the Amur rocket's first stage unit will be enabled by a system for dynamic landing onto a landing site of the flight route, a prepared site or a launch area, with its subsequent return to the technical position and preparation for a relaunch," the design specification said.
Specialists who are preparing design documentation for the rocket will consider alternative preservation mechanisms for the first stage. Liquefied natural gas and liquid oxygen will be used as propellants.
The rocket will be launched from Vostochny cosmodrome up to 15 times a year, including servicing of the re-usable first stage between flights.
The competition to create the Amur-LNG rocket was won by the Progress Rocket Space Center. The rocket will cost 407 million rubles to design. The deadline for design documentation is December 21, 2020.