Following the successful maiden test flight on April 30, 2026, Russia has clarified the following phase of the development of its new Soyuz-5 medium-class launch vehicle. Dmitry Baranov, the Chief Designer of the Soyuz-5 program, confirmed in an interview published on July 13, 2026, that the next two launches in the flight test campaign are scheduled for the second half of 2027 and at some point in 2028. The transition from a demonstration launch to missions with practical objectives is expected to be marked by the carriage of operational payloads in the form of small satellites by both missions.
A New Generation Medium-Lift Rocket
The Soyuz-5 launch vehicle was created to replace the Zenit launch vehicle of the Soviet era, whose production became increasingly challenging following the dissolution of Soviet industrial cooperation. Soyuz-5 is not just a replacement; it is a launch vehicle that is far more capable, developed using modern technologies and entirely domestically manufactured, despite being inspired by Zenit’s overall design philosophy and mission profile.
The rocket was entirely developed using Russian-made components and materials, as per Dmitry Baranov. He underscored that the project was not affected by foreign sanctions, as the launch vehicle is not reliant on imported systems or critical foreign technologies. One of the program’s key objectives has been to guarantee that Russia maintains an independent medium-lift launch capability through this complete localization.
Powered by One of the World’s Most Powerful Rocket Engines
Powerful propulsion systems are among the differentiating characteristics of a Soyuz-5. The RD-171MV liquid-fueled engine, which is a modernized version of the legendary Soviet RD-171, is installed in the first stage of the rocket. This engine was previously used to power the Zenit rocket and the Energia heavy-lift launcher.
Although the RD-171MV is based on a proven design, it features entirely new avionics, digital control systems, enhanced sensors, redesigned electrical networks, improved hydraulic systems, and modern thrust-vector control mechanisms. This engine is one of the most powerful operational liquid-propellant rocket engines in the world, capable of producing approximately 750 tonnes of thrust at sea level and around 800 tonnes in a vacuum as a result of these improvements.
The Voronezh Design Bureau of Chemical Automation (KBKhA) developed the RD-124MV engine, which powers the rocket’s second stage. The engine establishes a new standard for efficiency among kerosene-fueled rocket engines by achieving a specific impulse of 361 seconds. The vehicle can optimize its payload capacity and reduce propellant consumption by increasing its efficiency.
Bigger, Stronger and More Capable Than Zenit
In comparison to the Zenit launch vehicle it replaces, the Soyuz-5 has grown significantly in size and capability. The new rocket is approximately 80 tonnes heavier at liftoff due to the fact that it contains a substantially greater quantity of propellant.
Additionally, engineers introduced a newly developed Russian aluminum alloy that was specifically designed for the Soyuz-5 program. The rocket can carry nearly half a ton of additional payload in comparison to conventional materials, as the stronger and lighter material reduces structural weight and enhances overall performance.
Consequently, Soyuz-5 is capable of launching a maximum of 17.3 tonnes into low Earth orbit. This places it in the middle of Russia’s current launch vehicles. The Angara-A5 is capable of transporting between 22 and 27 tonnes, contingent upon the mission requirements, while the Soyuz-2 family can deliver up to approximately 8.5 tonnes to low Earth orbit. Soyuz-5 bridges the critical divide between these two launch classes by providing enhanced capabilities without necessitating the purchase of a heavy-lift vehicle.
Reduced Launch Costs for Future Missions
A further key objective of Soyuz-5’s development has been cost efficiency. According to Baranov, the cost of delivering one kilogram of payload into low Earth orbit is expected to be approximately one-and-a-half times lower than that of the Soyuz-2 launch rocket.
The Soyuz-5 could be an appealing choice for various government, scientific, and commercial missions due to its increased payload capacity and reduced launch costs. Satellite operators who necessitate medium-class launch capability would be able to deploy larger payloads more economically than they can with current rockets while avoiding the higher costs associated with heavy-lift launchers.
Built for Russia’s Future Super-Heavy Rocket
Soyuz-5 was developed with the intention of achieving long-term strategic goals. Baranov explained that engineers intentionally developed the rocket’s first stage so it could eventually serve as a modular building block for a future Russian super-heavy launch vehicle.
This method is consistent with global trends in launch vehicle design, which involve the consolidation of established rocket stages to produce more potent heavy-lift systems while simultaneously minimizing development expenses. Soyuz-5 is anticipated to establish a technological foundation for future lunar exploration missions and other deep-space programs, although Russia’s future super-heavy launcher is still in the development phase.
Human Spaceflight Capability Exists
Soyuz-5 is technically capable of supporting crewed missions to low Earth orbit. However, Roscosmos currently sees little practical justification for developing a dedicated crew spacecraft specifically for the launcher.
Currently, Russia is in the process of preparing the next-generation Oryol spacecraft for missions aboard the Angara family, while the Soyuz MS spacecraft, which is reliable and launched on Soyuz-2 rockets, is operating. The development of a third crewed spacecraft exclusively for the Soyuz-5 would result in a substantial increase in costs, while providing minimal operational benefits. As a result, it is currently projected that Soyuz-5 will prioritize cargo, scientific, and commercial satellite missions over human spaceflight.
Flight Testing Continues Through 2028
The next phase of development is the completion of the remaining qualification flights, following the successful maiden launch in April 2026. There are currently two additional Soyuz-5 rockets in the process of being built to provide support for the ongoing flight test campaign.
Soyuz-5 is expected to transition to serial production upon the successful completion of the three-flight qualification campaign. Customer demand from Roscosmos, government agencies, and commercial satellite operators will ultimately determine the tempo of manufacturing and Launch operations.
Soyuz-5 is on the brink of becoming a critical component of Russia’s future space transportation fleet due to its combination of increased payload capacity, reduced launch costs, fully domestic production, and compatibility with future super-heavy launch systems. The upcoming launches in 2027 and 2028 will demonstrate the rocket’s suitability for regular service and its role in supporting Russia’s long-term space exploration and satellite deployment ambitions.