Dnepr

Description: The Dnepr is a light, three-stage, space launch vehicle derived from the RS-20/SS-18 Satan intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which was deployed by former Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s. Dnepr was designed to put a 1,600 kg payload into orbit at an altitude of 600 km. Besides, Dnepr can put into orbit payloads of 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg at altitudes of 400 km and 300 km respectively. These launch vehicles lift off from silos at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan fueled by high-boiling propellant components (unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide). All the hardware provided to Dnepr comes from the RS-20 missile except those elements related to the payload. The silo-based launch vehicles are ejected off their canisters using steam to an altitude of 20 meters where the first rocket stage ignites. The Dnepr launch system can be kept into launch readiness for an unlimited period of time.