Soyuz 2.1v
The Soyuz2.1v was a Russian expendable small-lift launch vehicle, developed as a derivative of the Soyuz-2 series. It is notable for omitting the four strap-on boosters common to other R-7 family rockets, making it the first R-7 variant without them.
Developed by the Progress Rocket Space Centre in Samara, the Soyuz2.1v was originally known as Soyuz1 during early development. Launches were conducted from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northwest Russia, and were expected to also be conducted from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, but none ever took place.
Design and configuration
The Soyuz2.1v represents a significant departure from previous Soyuz configurations. Unlike its predecessors, it does not utilize four strap-on boosters. Instead, its single core stage is powered by the NK-33 engine, a high-performance engine originally built in the 1970s for the Soviet N1 Moon rocket. Due to its fixed configuration, the core stage also employs the RD-0110R vernier engine, which consists of four gimbaled chambers for steering and contributes approximately of thrust.A limited number of NK-33 engines were available, leading to plans for replacement by the RD-193, a newer engine derived from the Angara's RD-191, itself a derivative of the Zenit's RD-170. However, full transition to the RD-193 has not occurred.
The second stage is identical to the third stage of the Soyuz-2.1b, utilizing a single RD-0124 engine. Most missions also employ the Volga upper stage, adapted from the propulsion system of the Yantar reconnaissance satellite. Volga offers a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to the Fregat upper stage used on other Soyuz-2 missions.
The Soyuz2.1v is optimized for small payloads. From Baikonur, it can deliver up to to a circular low Earth orbit at 51.8° inclination, and up to to the same altitude at 62.8° inclination from Plesetsk.