Tsyklon-4
| Function | Carrier rocket |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Yuzhmash, JSC "Khartron" (control system) |
| Country of origin | Ukraine |
| Size | |
| Stages | 3 |
| Associated rockets | |
| Family | R-36, Tsyklon |
| Comparable | Zenit |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Launch sites |
Alcântara Baikonur Site 90 Plesetsk Site 32 |
| First stage - 11K69 | |
| Engines | 1 RD-261 + RD-855 Vernier engine |
| Thrust | 3,032 kilonewtons (682,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 298.21 sec |
| Burn time | 119 seconds |
| Fuel | N2O4/UDMH |
| Second stage - 11S692 | |
| Engines | 1 RD-262 + RD-856 Vernier engine |
| Thrust | 941 kilonewtons (212,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 313.5 sec |
| Burn time | 162 seconds |
| Fuel | N2O4/UDMH |
| Third stage | |
| Engines | RD-861К |
| Thrust | 7,91 ts |
| Specific impulse | 330 sec |
| Burn time | 450 sec |
| Fuel | N2O4/UDMH |
The Tsyklon-4[1] or Cyclone-4, also known as Tsiklon-4, is a Ukrainian carrier rocket which is being developed for commercial satellite launches. Derived from the Tsyklon-3, it has a new third stage, a larger payload fairing, and a modernised flight control system compared to its predecessor.[2] Control system has been developed by JSC Khartron.[3][4]
Specifications
Tsyklon-4 is a three-stage-to-orbit expendable launch system built on the successful Tsyklon-3 rocket and it uses its first two stages. The new features are mostly concentrated in the newly developed third stage:
- The third stage has a three times larger propellant capacity;
- The new rocket engine RD-861K with multiple ignition capability (3 to 5 times);
- A modern western-like control system capable of precise orbit injections;
- A new fairing derived from Ariane 4 is under development. It has a diameter of 4 meters, controlled temperature and cleanness conditions inside.
Tsyklon-4 will also improve the fueling system, allowing safe capture of toxic vapors from the Tsyklon's hypergolic propellant.
The new system, operated from a near-equatorial launch facility, will be able to deliver 5,300 kg into low Earth orbit, or up to 1,600 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit.[5]
Launch facilities
Tsyklon-4 will be launched primarily from the Baikonur and Plesetsk Cosmodromes. A preliminary attempt to develop a Ukrainian-Brazilian rocket launching center ended up in a big fiasco. Due to severe financial problems in the South American developing country and to strong political pressures from Russia, the project was cancelled in 2015.
Development history
Development began in 2002, with the maiden flight aimed for 2006. Following a series of production delays, this has slipped, and is now scheduled for sometime after 2015.
The planned payload capacity of the Tsyklon-4 is 5,500 kilograms (12,100 lb) to a 500 kilometre circular low Earth orbit, or 1,700 kilograms (3,700 lb) to geosynchronous transfer orbit.[6]
The project was terminated by the Brazilian government in 2015.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Wade, Mark. "Tsyklon 4". Encyclopedia Astronautica.
- ↑ "Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle". NPO InterCoS.
- ↑ Control systems for intercontinental ballistic missiles and launch vehicles
- ↑ Krivonosov, Khartron: Computers for rocket guidance systems
- ↑ http://www.alcantaracyclonespace.com/phocadownload/cyclone4_users_guide.pdf
- ↑ "Cyclone 4". National Space Agency of Ukraine.
- ↑ "Brazil Pulling Out of Ukrainian Cyclone-4 Launcher Project". SpaceNews.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
External links
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