Russian Space Boosters | Soyuz-U2

(Industry designation 11A511U2, Western designation SL-4).

"Soyuz-U2" space booster is a modernization of the "Soyuz-U" booster with higher engines power and substitution of propellant. Thus the capacity of payload to launch was increased on 200 kilograms. "Soyuz-U2" space booster was design in Central Special Design Bureau and main factory of production of the booster is TsSKB "Progress" in Samara city. Main difference between "Soyuz-U" and "Soyuz-U2" boosters is engines of second stage and new purified kerosene - "Tsyclin".

First test of the "Soyuz-U2" booster was conducted December 28th, 1982.Until September 3rd, 1995 year there were 70 launches and no accidents. This booster was designed for launches of "Soyuz" spacecraft, "Progress" cargo vehicle and spy satellites "Yantar".

Specification.

Launch weight....................................................313,000 kg
Thrust................................................................411,000 kg
Length.....................................................................51,3 m
Diameter of cluster....................................................10,3 m
Payload weight
Low Earth Orbit
With regular shroud............................................... 7,375 kg
With Soyuz spacecraft.......................................... 7,120 kg
Propellant
All stages.......................................................kerosene+O₂

Stage 1....................................................... engine RD-117
Stage 2....................................................... engine RD-118
Stage 3....................................................... engine RD-110