KVTK (rocket stage)


The KVTK 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. 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 for the Indian GSLV. 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.

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The KVTK was originally studied as an upper stage for the Energia family of rockets, but in 1987 was superseded by the RCS stage, based loosely on the American S-IVB.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.

Variants

The KVSK would be a smaller cryogenic stage carrying of propellant for the proposed Angara A3, while the KVSK-A7 would be a larger stage loaded with for the proposed Angara A7.