Replacing Soyuz-2 with Amur-SPG to save over 2 trln rubles - Roscosmos

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - Replacing the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle with the Amur-SPG rocket with a reusable first stage may save over 2 trillion rubles throughout the period of its operation, Roscosmos First Deputy General Director Andrei Yelchaninov said in an interview with Interfax.

"This is a landmark project for the industry, our tactical prospective for the next 30 years. Replacing Soyuz-2 with Amur-SPG may save over 2 trillion rubles over the period of operation of the new rocket system," Yelchaninov said.

The location of the new launch area has been chosen at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, and a number of places have been selected for landing the first stage, he said.

Roscosmos said on March 10, 2023, it had signed a government contact for the technical design of the Amur-SPG reusable rocket. It also said it would consider the possible use of the rocket for manned flights.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said on April 12 that the maiden launch of Amur-SPG was due in 2030.

Amur-SPG is to replace the Soyuz-2 rocket family currently in operation.