Tsyklon-4

Specifications

Tsyklon-4 was a three-stage-to-orbit expendable launch system, built on the successful Tsyklon-3 rocket and using improved versions of that rocket's first two stages. The new features were mostly in the newly developed third stage:

• The third stage has three times the propellant capacity of Tsyklon-3
• The new rocket engine RD-861K with multiple ignition capability (3 to 5 times)
• A modern western-like control system capable of precise orbit injections
• A new fairing derived from Ariane 4 is under development. It has a diameter of 4 m, with controlled temperature and cleanness conditions inside

Tsyklon-4 would have improved the fuelling system, allowing safe capture of toxic vapours from the vehicle's hypergolic propellant system.

The launch system would have been able to deliver up to 5250 kg to a 185 km orbit, 4900 kg to a 400 km orbit, or 500 kg to a geosynchronous orbit.

Development history

Development began in 2002, with the maiden flight aimed for 2006. Following a series of production delays, this launch date slipped, and was estimated to occur some time after 2015.

Tsyklon-4 had been planned to launch from a proposed launch pad at the Alcântara Launch Center in Brazil, which would have given the rocket access to all orbital regimes. However, Brazil backed out of the partnership with Ukraine in 2015, citing concerns over the project budget, the ongoing financial situation in both countries, and the future of the commercial launch market. Yuzhnoye began developing a two-stage derivative of Tsyklon-4, the Cyclone-4M, for Maritime Launch Services, a Canadian launch service provider. The new rocket was originally scheduled to be in service by 2020, though this date has been repeatedly pushed due to construction delays at the Canso launch site. Construction is currently estimated to be complete by 2024 or 2025. According to a 2021 press release, the first flight of Cyclone-4M was planned to take place at Canso in 2023; however, it failed to eventuate.

References

References

1. "Cyclone-4 Launch Vehicle". NPO InterCoS.
2. "Control systems for intercontinental ballistic missiles and launch vehicles".
3. [http://web.mit.edu/slava/space/essays/essay-krivonosov.htm Krivonosov, Khartron: Computers for rocket guidance systems]
4. "Tsiklon-4".
5. de Selding, Peter B.. (16 April 2015). "Brazil Pulling Out of Ukrainian Cyclone-4 Launcher Project". Space News.
6. (14 March 2017). "T-minus 1 year until rocket launch site construction starts in Nova Scotia". CBC News.
7. Boucher, Marc. (14 March 2017). "Exclusive: Maritime Launch Services Selects Nova Scotia Site for Spaceport Over 13 Other Locations". SpaceQ.
8. Golubeva, Alena. (9 April 2021). "Максим Дегтярев: "Спрос на выведение грузов на орбиту будет расти"". GMK Center.
9. Willick, Frances. (12 May 2021). "Canso spaceport secures $10.5M, aims for first launch next year". [[CBC News]].