Dmitry Baranov reports that Russia’s Amur-LNG reusable rocket will now begin flight tests in 2031.
Dmitry Baranov, the Roscosmos Deputy Director General for Rocket Programs, revealed this week that the development timeline for Russia's Amur-LNG reusable rocket has shifted. While the state-backed corporation originally planned to debut the rocket in 2026, the project is now expected to begin flight tests in 2031. The Amur-LNG was designed to compete with the SpaceX Falcon 9 by featuring a reusable first stage and methane-powered engines. To prepare for the eventual launch, Baranov stated that the current focus is on developing a "demonstrator" hopper vehicle. This vehicle will undergo two specific tests starting in 2028 to refine the rocket's ability to rise, shut off its engines, and land on deployable legs. The ultimate goal for the Amur-LNG is to replace the Soyuz 2 rocket, which currently serves as the primary workhorse for Russian crew and cargo missions to the International Space Station. Despite the delay, the rocket remains a key component of Russia's strategy to achieve orbital rocket reuse.