Conversation with Merlin [email protected] · Sun Dec 10 2023

"The Development of Russian Cosmonautics and the RD-170 Engine"

Russian cosmonautics development:

  • The most powerful liquid rocket engine assembly
  • Future implications for the Yenisei super-heavy rocket

Olympics and space race:

  • The tense competition between the US and USSR
  • Development and successful testing of RD-170 rocket engine

Soviet reusable spacecraft Buran failed due to lack of funding:

  • Initially planned for unmanned mode to build space stations for Moon and planet exploration
  • The RD-170 liquid rocket engine was a successful outcome despite the limited mission of Buran

The RD-170 progenitor and the new R171 MV engine:

  • The RD-170 progenitor was not in demand for a long time, but new tasks appeared requiring launching heavy loads into orbit
  • The new R171 MV engine incorporated the best from its predecessors and featured improved control system, fire protection, and other technological solutions

Roscosmos announced production of second Tsar Engine:

  • Third engine assembly already being completed
  • Soyuz 5 launch vehicle capable of launching 17 tons of payload into low Earth Orbit

Vostochny cosmodrome progress:

  • Vostochny cosmodrome has been successful with 15 launches of Soyuz rockets since 2016
  • The completion of the launch complex for the Angara heavy rocket is underway

Unmanned tractors and combines faced issues due to satellite outage:

  • Solar flares in Australia and New Zealand caused satellite outage, leading to several days of power cut
  • Russian technology proved to be more reliable in comparison to top-end Jondir

Lieutenant saves child and grandmother from fire:

  • Lieutenant rushes upstairs to rescue a four-year-old girl and her disoriented grandmother from a fire.
  • Lieutenant extinguishes the fire, with no casualties, and shares his emotional reaction to the rescue.