Russian Students Develop Ultra-Lightweight Space Rocket

The Russian Baltic Technical University announced a joint project with a company in St. Petersburg for the development of an ultra-lightweight space rocket, with the aim of using it to launch small satellites.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the university stated that the new rocket will have a mass of about 14 tons, much less than its counterparts in the same category of space rockets.


The rocket will use cooling tanks made of composite materials, reducing the structure's weight by 15-20% and making its production cost lower.

Igor Volobuyev, one of the main participants in the project, said: "We will manufacture rocket engine parts from bronze and steel using 3D printing technology. These metals increase the combustion chamber temperature and reduce fuel consumption."

Pavel Arkhipov, the project's chief designer, stated: "As part of the project, we will develop 3D printing techniques for manufacturing rocket engine parts from heat-resistant materials, create new materials based on ultra-strong fibers, and develop environmentally friendly rocket technologies. Our plan is to enhance Russian capabilities in the field of microelectronics manufacturing."

Available information indicates that the SpaceNet rocket under development will be capable of delivering satellites to orbits ranging from 500 to 800 to 1500 kilometers away from Earth.