Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Bummer delux --- Expired ex-Soviet ICBMs can be false economy

The Zenit wasn't an ICBM derivative
Larry J — (archived)

Sea Launch uses Zenit 2 boosters. These vehicles were not derived from ICBMs, unlike most other boosters.

Zenit was to be a modular new generation medium Soviet launch vehicle, replacing the various ICBM-derived launch vehicles in use since the 1960's (Tsyklon and R-7 derivatives). But it was built by Yuzhnoye in the Ukraine; when the Soviet Union broke up planned large-scale production for the Soviet military was abandoned (Angara development was begun as an indigenous alternative). A version of first stage was used as strap-ons for the cancelled Energia heavy booster. Launch pads were completed only at Baikonur; those at Plesetsk were never finished and are planned to be completed as Angara pads.

The excellent RD-180 engines used on the Atlas III and V boosters was derived from the RD-170/171 engine developed for the Zenit (4 Zenits were used as the strap-ons for the Energia). It wasn't used on any ICBM.

The SS-18 (R36) ICBM was a different beast than the Zenit.

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