KVTK (rocket stage)

The KVTK (Russian: Кислородно-водородный тяжёлого класса, Oxygen/Hydrogen Heavy Class) is a liquid oxygen/hydrogen upper stage for high energy orbits. The KVTK contains an RD-0146D engine and is designed for use on Angara rockets.[1] KVTK would be the first hydrogen-powered upper stage for use on a Russian launch vehicle, although Khrunichev has previously produced a hydrogen-powered upper stage (KVD-1) for the Indian GSLV.[2] KVTK is designed to provide up to five ignitions, allowing for complex orbital maneuvering, and have an on-orbit lifespan of up to nine hours. KVTK would allow an increase in payload to GTO of 20-50% compared to the Angara A5's standard Briz-M upper stage, powered by UDMH and N2O4.[3]

KVTK
ManufacturerKhrunichev State Research and Production Space Center
Country of originRussia
Used onAngara A5 (upper stage)
General characteristics
Height10.4 meters (34 ft)[1]
Diameter3.8 meters (12 ft)[1]
Gross mass23,530 kilograms (51,870 lb)[1]
Propellant mass19,600 kilograms (43,200 lb)[1]
KVTK
Engines1 RD-0146D
Thrust68.6 kilonewtons (15,400 lbf)[1]
Specific impulse463 seconds (4.54 km/s)[1]
Burn time1,350 s
FuelLH2/LOX

History

The KVTK was originally studied as an upper stage for the Energia family of rockets, but in 1987 was superseded by the RCS stage (Retro and Corrections Stage), based loosely on the American S-IVB. In 1996, consideration was briefly given to constructing a KVTK-derived Russian Propulsion Module for the International Space Station. Most likely,this module would have been transported to the ISS by a Space Shuttle.

On 10 December 2020, Roscosmos has signed a 20.6 billion Russian ruble (US$279M as of December 2020) contract with Khrunichev to manufacture KVTK test models and flight test them by December 2025.[4]

Variants

The KVSK (RCAF) would be a smaller cryogenic stage carrying 10,760 kilograms (23,720 lb) of propellant for the proposed Angara A3,[5] while the KVSK-A7 would be a larger stage loaded with 26,500 kilograms (58,400 lb) for the proposed Angara A7.[6]

References
  1. "Angara A5". Spaceflight 101. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  2. Zak, Anatoly (June 26, 2014). "KVTK to give hydrogen power to Angara". RussianSpaceWeb. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  3. "Angara Launch Vehicles Family". khrunichev.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  4. "Роскосмос" заключил контракт для повышения грузоподъемности "Ангары" [Roscosmos signs a contract to increase the payload capacity of Angara]. RIA Novosti. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  5. "Angara A3". Spaceflight 101. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  6. "KVTK". khrunichev.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
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