Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East is poised to witness a significant event with the upcoming launch of the Angara A5 rocket, a milestone for Russia’s three-decade-old flagship rocket program. In 1992, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and a subsequent economic downturn, the Russian government greenlit the development of the Angara rocket. It has been almost a decade since the first Angara test flights took place.
The launch of the Angara A5 from Vostochny Cosmodrome signifies a shift from its previous launches at the military-operated Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The heaviest version of the Angara rocket family, the Angara A5, is gearing up for its fourth flight without carrying a real satellite on board, serving as a testament to the program’s resilience amidst challenges.
The Angara A5 is set to replace the Proton launch vehicle, offering a more secure option with launch pads located on Russian soil compared to the Proton’s reliance on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. While the Proton faced setbacks due to reliability issues, competition from SpaceX, and geopolitical tensions, the Angara aims to fulfill Russia’s launch needs independently.
Despite initial plans to position Angara as a competitive player in the global commercial launch market, the focus has since shifted towards serving the Russian government exclusively. Challenges remain in securing a consistent demand for the Angara A5’s heavy lift capacity, with uncertainties surrounding available payloads and future satellite launches.
Looking ahead, the Angara A5 holds potential to support the launch of large satellites previously serviced by the Proton, albeit on a smaller scale. Russia’s vision for the Angara program includes carrying the next-generation crew spacecraft, Orel, beginning in 2028. However, questions loom over the readiness of Orel for test flights within the proposed timeframe.
Russia’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities through the Angara program is met with financial constraints, organizational inefficiencies, and historical underfunding. Despite the challenges faced since its inception, the Angara rocket represents a significant leap forward for Russian space technology, highlighting the country’s determination to assert its presence in the global space industry.