European Space Agency Chooses Ukrainian Rocket Engines

KYIV, Ukraine, December 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ukrainian rocket engines are getting difficult to compete with. The European Space Agency equips the upper module of its Vega rockets with the Ukrainian liquid-fuel RD-869 rocket engine. With the creation of Vega, the lightest in its arsenal, Europe should be able to launch rockets of all classes and not depend on Russia and the United States, reports Ukrainian ICTV.

Today's technological advancement allow to create smaller and lighter satellites which require smaller rockets. "So far we have not had such a small class rocket. So we have high hopes for it. With its help, we will launch both scientific and commercial satellites. Ukraine's role is very important in launching Vega," acknowledged the director general of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dorden.

"During the first launch we hit the exact orbit coordinates. It is all thanks to the Ukrainian engine. It is very compact and reliable. That's why we chose it among other manufacturers," said the head of programs management at Space Division Marco Biagioni.

Vega (Vettore Europeo di Generazione Avanzata, Advanced Generation European Carrier Rocket) is a jointly developed by the Italian Space Agency and the European Space Agency expendable launch system used by the Arianespace.

As of today Ukraine has launched its rockets from four space launch facilities across the globe. In 2013 the country will start using the fifth launching platform for rocket launches as a joint Ukrainian-Brazilian project Alcantara Cyclone Space will be complete. The binational platform is financially beneficial for the parties due to its close proximity to the equator.

In 2011 Ukraine joined China, the EU, Russia, and the USA becoming one of the top five space rocket launching countries in the world, reported the Ukrainian State Space Agency. Since 1991 Ukraine grew into a significant player in the field of space industry, having launched 127 rockets and delivered into orbit more than 240 satellites that belonged to 19 countries.

Ukraine owns a complete rocket production cycle. It occupies one of the top positions in the global industry of rocket launcher production. Ukrainian State Design Office Yuzhnoye produced over 400 Earth satellites. Ukrainian space industry companies utilize most of the known space technologies and participate in 50 international space projects.