Russia has unveiled a new liquid-propellant rocket engine that is specifically designed for its emerging ultra-light launch vehicle sector. This demonstration provides a more detailed examination of the propulsion technology that is being developed for the proposed Voronezh rocket. A full-scale mock-up of the NK-3 engine was on display at the Technoprom-2026 technology forum in Novosibirsk by the United Engine Corporation (UEC), which is a subsidiary of Rostec.
The Voronezh launch vehicle, which is being developed to launch relatively small satellites into Earth orbit, has taken a significant stride forward with the presentation. UEC-Kuznetsov is currently in the process of developing the NK-3, which is designed to provide propulsion to both stages of the rocket. It is the first Russian rocket engine of this class to be developed in the modern era, according to Rostec.
A 4.5-tonne-thrust engine
The NK-3 is intended to generate a thrust of approximately 4.5 tons. Twelve NK-3 engines are planned to be used in the first stage of the Voronezh rocket, resulting in a large cluster of comparatively small propulsion units rather than relying on a single large engine.
A single NK-3 engine with a high-altitude nozzle will be used for the second stage. This version is also being designed with the ability to restart twice, providing greater flexibility during the rocket’s flight and orbital insertion sequence.
Thrust-vector-control systems will be installed in certain first-stage engines and second-stage engines. By adjusting the direction of the engine’s propulsion, these systems will enable the rocket to modify its trajectory during flight.
The configuration is being developed with a particular focus on the needs of an ultra-light launch vehicle and the increasing demand for dedicated launches of small satellites.
Soyuz Technology Meets New Development
The NK-3 is being marketed as a new engine; however, its development is based on Russia’s extensive experience with the propulsion systems of the Soyuz family. The combustion chamber is being developed using design work associated with the steering assembly of the RD-107A engine used on Soyuz-type launch vehicles.
Nevertheless, the NK-3 is not merely a derivative of RD-107A. Many of the engine’s main systems are being developed from the ground up, as per UEC. These consist of the oxidizer and fuel pumps, turbine, gas generator, automation systems, and engine start and shutdown systems.
This method enables the developers to integrate a propulsion architecture that is expressly designed for the ultra-light launch vehicle class with proven Russian rocket-engine expertise.
Full-Scale Voronezh Hardware Displayed
The architecture of the proposed Voronezh rocket was also physically displayed at the Technoprom exhibition. The NK-3 propulsion system was exhibited in conjunction with a full-size replica of the vehicle’s second stage.
The second-stage model has a diameter of 2.05 meters and a length of approximately 4.1 meters. The full-scale mock-up is designed to assist engineers in the examination of the structure of the propulsion system and other components in the future stage.
Additive Manufacturing Could Accelerate Development
One of the more interesting elements of the NK-3 programme is the planned use of additive manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing methods are to be implemented by UEC-Kuznetsov for intricate components, notably during the experimental-development phase.
For instance, the gas generator is intended to implement selective laser melting of heat-resistant materials. Additive manufacturing techniques could also be used to produce additional structural components of the turbopump assembly and automation systems.
The primary benefit is the rapidity of development. Before determining the final design, rocket-engine designers often must test various configurations. The time required to prepare conventional tooling can be reduced by the ability of additive manufacturing to produce components with varying configurations more quickly.
This could potentially expedite the transition from design work to hardware testing and abbreviate the experimental cycle for a new engine program like the NK-3.
Design to Testing
The NK-3 program has already advanced beyond the initial announcement phase. The preliminary design work has been finalized, and the comprehensive design documentation is currently being developed.
The engine is reportedly being developed in three different versions, with the propulsion system designed to use environmentally favorable propellant. The developers also intend to conduct independent tests of individual assemblies, which will be followed by hot-fire testing of complete engines.
UEC-Kuznetsov intends to use its current production and testing infrastructure to the fullest. The NK-3 program benefits from the company’s extensive experience in the production of rocket engines for the Soyuz family, which eliminates the need for a completely new manufacturing and testing ecosystem.
Russia Targets the Small-Satellite Launch Market
The larger objective behind the Voronezh programme is to establish a Russian capability in the ultra-light launch market. The demand for launch vehicles that are specifically designed for relatively small payloads has increased as small satellites have become increasingly important in commercial, scientific, and other space applications.
Compared to relying solely on shared transportation or larger launch vehicles, a dedicated ultra-light rocket could provide satellite operators with increased flexibility.
The Voronezh project also represents an effort to establish a new commercial space-launch segment in Russia that revolves around the participation of the domestic private sector and established state aerospace companies.
Therefore, the NK-3’s public debut at Technoprom-2026 serves as the first substantial physical demonstration of the propulsion technology that is currently being developed for the project. The engine is still in the process of development and has not yet been put into operational service. However, the full-scale display serves as evidence that the program has progressed from an announced concept to tangible hardware.
The next major milestone will involve the completion of comprehensive design work, which will be followed by component testing and hot-fire trials. The NK-3 has the potential to serve as the propulsion foundation of Russia’s proposed Voronezh ultra-light rocket and a critical component of Moscow’s endeavor to enter the escalating small-satellite launch market if those stages are effectively completed.