Angara A7 w/o a larger diameter core, and Angara A3

[fredinno]

Would it be possible and economical to build a Angara A7, but without a larger diameter core (aka Angara core with 6 core boosters?) This would mean that no new upper stage would have to be built, abd it would be used to launch larger space station modules. Yes, the capacity would be lower than the original Angara A7, but it's still worth it!

Also, I am wondering if the Zenit will be replaced by Angara A3 at some point in the future. After all, it would be cheaper to run.

[Kerbal01]

I think the angara 7 with same size core is the current plan, actually. Anatoly Zak has posted models on russianspaceweb.com where this appears to be the truth.

[fredinno]

I think the angara 7 with same size core is the current plan, actually. Anatoly Zak has posted models on russianspaceweb.com where this appears to be the truth.

What about replacing Zenit with Angara though?

EDIT: I can't find anything on a same-core diameter Angara A7 though...

Edited September 18, 2015 by fredinno

[Kryten]

Zenit doesn't need replacing with anything, from the Russian perspective. They've had a policy of moving to Russian launchers for a long time now, the only recent government orders for it are for science missions.

[fredinno]

Zenit doesn't need replacing with anything, from the Russian perspective. They've had a policy of moving to Russian launchers for a long time now, the only recent government orders for it are for science missions.

It would still be useful from a cost standpoint. Why pay for 2 extra booster if you don't need them?

[Kryten]

They aren't. Angara 3 has not been ordered in any quantity, the payloads that used to go on Zenit have mostly switched to Soyuz.

[1greywind]

Angara A7 and Angara A3 are not included in Federal Space Program list until year 2025. And were are no plans to build launch pad for Angara A7 anywere. Two pads on Vostochniy were founded and construction scheduled to be finished until 2018 (but 2020 is more realistic date). Both pads are for Angara A5 or A5V and they cannot be used for Angara A7.

The recent oil prices drop and rubl devalvation have very heavy impact on Russia Federal Space Program 2016-2025. Most notably is freezing works on Nuclear Powered Orbital Tug (http://tass.ru/kosmos/1927683) and on heavy launch vehicle (project Amur).

Edited September 18, 2015 by 1greywind

[fredinno]

Ok, thank you.