Finance
New Russian Space Launch Vehicle Undergoing Final Tests, Top Official Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 11, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 11, 2026
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Russia’s Soyuz‑5 (Irtysh/Sunkar) medium‑lift launch vehicle is undergoing final tests and has been declared “absolutely ready” by Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov. It’s the first new Russian rocket since 2014, designed to replace Zenit rockets under the joint Russian‑Kazakh Baiterek project.
Russia’s Soyuz-5 Launch Vehicle Ready for Space Projects After Final Testing
Final Preparations and Readiness of Soyuz-5 Launch Vehicle
April 11 (Reuters) - A new Russian launch vehicle, Soyuz-5, is undergoing its final tests and is "absolutely ready" for use in space projects, Russia's top space official said on Saturday.
Presentation to President Putin
Dmitry Bakanov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, was presenting details of the rocket to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the first flight in space by Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
Development and Testing Milestones
First New Launch Vehicle Since 2014
Bakanov said the Soyuz-5 would be the first new launch vehicle developed in Russia since 2014.
Joint Project with Kazakhstan
"The new Soyuz-5 launch vehicle is absolutely ready. This is our joint project with our partners in Kazakhstan known as Baiterek," Russian news agencies quoted Bakanov as saying.
"Currently, tests of all units and assemblies are underway."
Vertical Position Testing
Bakanov said the rocket had already been placed during tests in a vertical position as preparations proceeded.
Technical Capabilities and Launch Plans
Payload and Replacement Role
Plans call for the new two-stage rocket, capable of placing payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes in orbit, to be used in place of Zenit rockets.
Baikonur Space Centre Launch Site
Launches will be conducted at the Baikonur space centre dating from Soviet times and now located in Kazakhstan.
Industry Confidence and Outlook
Statements from President Putin
Putin, quoted by Russian news agencies, said Russia's space industry was now "feeling more confident. I know that many problems had accumulated there over a long period of time."
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Paul Simao)
Key Takeaways
- •The Soyuz‑5, also known as Irtysh or Sunkar, is a new medium‑class rocket capable of lifting about 17 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
- •It represents Russia’s first new launch vehicle development since 2014 and is set to replace the Zenit series, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome under the Baiterek partnership.
- •Preparations are advanced, with the rocket already tested in vertical position and infrastructure modernization ongoing, targeting a maiden flight in late 2025 or early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Russian space launch vehicle undergoing final tests, top official says
1What is the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle?
The Soyuz-5 is a new Russian rocket designed to carry payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes into orbit.
2Who is responsible for the Soyuz-5 project?
The Russian space agency Roscosmos, in partnership with Kazakhstan through the Baiterek project, leads the Soyuz-5 development.
3Where will Soyuz-5 launches take place?
Soyuz-5 launches are planned for the Baikonur space centre in Kazakhstan.
4What rocket does the Soyuz-5 aim to replace?
The Soyuz-5 is expected to replace the Zenit rockets for future space missions.
5When was the Soyuz-5 rocket announced as ready?
The Soyuz-5 rocket was announced as 'absolutely ready' for use in April 2024, after completing final tests.
