History
April 10, 1954 OKB-586 founded10 April 1954. By the Government decree, the department of Chief Designer of Plant 586 was transformed into an independent design and engineering organization, Special Design Bureau 586 (OKB-586). The most important task for the new design bureau was the development of combat ballistic missiles burning storable (high-boiling-point) liquid propellants.
July 9, 1954 Mikhail Yangel appointed OKB-586 Chief Designer9 July 1954. Mikhail Kuzmich Yangel (1911 - 1971) was appointed Chief Designer and Head of OKB-586. A knowledgeable aviation specialist who learned from the outstanding aircraft designers N. N. Polikarpov, A. I. Mikoyan and V. M. Myasishchev, Yangel studied missilery at Research Institute NII-88, where he was first Sergei Pavlovich Korolev's Deputy Chief Designer and later Director and Chief Engineer of the Institute. Vasiliy Sergeevich Budnik was appointed Mikhail Yangel's First Deputy.
June 22, 1957 First R-12 (8K63) (SS-4) missile launchedIn 1958, the Ministry of Defense assigned scientists and designers the task of placing strategic ballistic missiles in service in launch silos. Initially, it was planned not only to store the missiles underground, but also to launch them from underground silos. The launch silo development schedule was tight, and the first R-12U missile was launched from the Mayak experimental earth-fill silo on 31 August 1959.
August 31, 1959 First R-12U (8K63U) (SS-4) missile launchedIn 1958, the Ministry of Defense assigned scientists and designers the task of placing strategic ballistic missiles in service in launch silos. Initially, it was planned not only to store the missiles underground, but also to launch them from underground silos. The launch silo development schedule was tight, and the first R-12U missile was launched from the Mayak experimental earth-fill silo on 31 August 1959.
June 6, 1960 First R-14 (8K65) (SS-5) missile launchedThe first launch of the R-14 missile was performed in June 1960. The missile was put into service by the 24 April 1961 government decree. The first artillery battalion with four launch emplacements was put on alert on 31 December 1961. 97 launchers were deployed by 1965.
October 24, 1960 Nedelin catastropheAt 6:45 p.m. on 24 October 1960, as a prototype of the R-16 intercontinental ballistic missile was being prepared for the maiden launch, an unauthorized ignition of the second-stage main engine occurred. The missile had been installed on the launch pad at launching site 41 of the Tyuratam test range (the future Baikonur Cosmodrome), surrounded by a large number of civilian and military specialists. A powerful fiery jet instantly destroyed the first-stage oxidizer and fuel tanks located below, 120 tons of propellants igniting and causing an explosion and a violent fire. 92 people perished in the world's largest launch pad accident. Since then, no launches have been conducted at Baikonur on 24 October in memory of those who lost their lives that day.
February 2, 1961 First R-16 (8K64) (SS-7) missile launchedUntil the R-16 missile “learned to fly,” there were many launch failures during the flight test campaign of the first intercontinental missile developed by OKB-586. The first successful launch of the R-16 (8K64) under the flight development test program took place on 2 February 1961. After the flight tests completion, the R-16 was put into service and remained on alert from April 1961 to 1967.
October 10, 1961 First above-ground R-16U (8K64U) (SS-7) missile launchedThe R-16U (8K64U) missile was developed for both above-ground and silo launches. The first launch of the R-16U missile from an above-ground launch pad was performed on 10 October 1961.
January 12, 1962 First above-ground R-14U (8K65U) (SS-5) missile launchedThe R-164U (8K65U) missile was standardized for both above-ground and silo launches. The first launch of the R-14U missile from an above-ground launch pad was performed on 12 January 1962.
March 16, 1962 DS-2 (Kosmos-1) spacecraft in orbit16 March 1962. The first spacecraft developed by OKB-586, dubbed DS-2 (Kosmos-1), was launched into orbit by a Kosmos (63S1/SL-7) launch vehicle. This event inaugurated not only the emergence of the second Soviet space launch vehicle (preceded by the OKB-1's R-7 rocket) but also a new stage in the evolution of OKB-586 which demonstrated its capabilities in the field of rocket and space technologies and peaceful space exploration.The 63S1 (11K63) launch vehicle became the OKB-586's first space launch vehicle designed by installing an additional stage on a single-stage combat missile. This lightweight launch vehicle was intended for launching spacecraft into low-Earth orbits. The 47-kg DS-2 satellite placed into orbit was a spherical container with rod antennas and a Mayak system transmitter powered by rechargeable batteries. This satellite became the ancestor of a huge family of spacecraft diverse in terms of both design and purpose, which were later developed by OKB-586.
July 13, 1962 R-16U (8K64U) (SS-7) missile flight development tests from a launch silo13 July 1962. The R-16U (8K64U) missile flight development tests from a launch silo began at Scientific Research Test Range No. 5 (NIIP-5): for the first time, an ICBM was launched from a launch silo using a guided silo exit approach.
September 28, 1963 R-36 (8K67) (SS-9 Mod 1,2) missile flight development tests startedt into service and remained on alert from April 1961 to 1967.The development tests of the R-36 combat missile complex and missile were held at Baikonur Scientific Research Test Range No. 5 (NIIP-5). The first missile launch was performed on 28 September 1963, and the flight development tests were completed in May 1966. 85 launches were performed during this period, 14 of which were launch failures, with seven failures occurred in the first 10 launches. The first launch of the flight missile did not take place because the missile ignited on the launch pad due to improperly designed launch-pad gas ducts.
August 18, 1964 Kosmos-2 (11K65) (SL-8) launch vehicle flight development tests startedThe 11K65 rocket flight development tests started on 18 August 1964 at Baikonur Scientific Research Test Range No. 5 (NIIP-5). More than 500 Kosmos-2 launches were made by 1999, launching more than 1000 spacecraft, which is the highest figure for all domestic rockets. According to American experts who conducted a comparative analysis of 18 types of lightweight launch vehicles, the Kosmos-2 is currently one of the most reliable launch vehicles in its class in the world.
July 13, 1965 R-36 (8K67) (SS-9 Mod 1,2) missile successfully launched from an OS launch siloThe first successful launch of the R-36 (8K67) missile from an OS launch silo was performed at NIIP-5 (Baikonur) on 13 July 1965. The cluster silo complex included six single launch silos scattered at 8 to 10 km from each other and remotely controlled from a single underground command post.Each OS launch silo consisted of a silohead and a vertical shaft, which housed a launch sleeve with guides and a blast reflector. The silo was covered with a special protective device (sliding roof) which sealed the silo shaft and protected the missile from nuclear side effects. Missile launch preparation and launch could be performed remotely, from the missile complex command post, or autonomously, from the silohead of each launch position. The missile could remain in a fueled state for seven years and be ready for launch in 5 minutes.
October 19, 1965 DS-U2-V (Kosmos-93) spacecraft in orbitThe DS-U2-V (Kosmos-93) spacecraft, the first one based on the DS-U2 standardized bus, was launched into orbit on 19 October 1965. The DS-U2 standardized satellite bus was designed for scientific experiments requiring a considerably long active life for spacecraft in space, for which it was equipped with a solar-panel-based solar power plant. The DC-U2-V spacecraft was designed to measure vibration g-loads affecting spacecraft at launch from a silo launch complex and study the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere and in the upper atmosphere.
December 1, 1965 R-36 (8K69) (SS-9 Mod 3) orbital missile flight development tests startedThe flight tests of the R-36 missile orbital version began in December 1965. During the tests, 19 missiles were launche, with four launches ending in failure mainly due to production reasons.The flight tests were completed on 20 May 1968. By 19 November 1968 government decree, the R-36 missile, indexed 8K69, was put into service. The first and only regiment with the 8K69 orbital missile took up combat duty on 25 August 1969 at NIIP-5. The regiment deployed 18 launchers. The 8K69 orbital missiles were decommissioned in January 1983 pursuant to the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT-II) which prohibited such systems.
March 21, 1967 DS-MO (Space Arrow) spacecraft in orbitA small optical satellite DS-MO was launched into orbit by a Kosmos launch vehicle. The satellite was designed to study the Earth's upper atmosphere in the visible and adjacent ranges to further interpret data obtained for the weather forecasting service.The experiment required that the satellite be launched to the lowest possible altitude, while ensuring a required duration of ballistic existence and a specified attitude in space. To meet these specific requirements, the OKB-586 specialists proposed an unconventional engineering solution: using an airborne gyroscopic control system for orientation and stabilization of the satellite. Until that time, such a solution was unheard of in the world satellite industry. One of the final control elements was an aerostabilizer shaped as a hollow truncated cone, extended several meters along the longitudinal axis of the satellite, perpendicular to the line of sight of the target equipment and opposite to flight direction (hence the satellite's unofficial name, "Space Arrow"). The satellite successfully fulfilled its assigned mission, performing at almost twice the level specified in the original experiment program.
October 1, 1967 RT-20P (8K99) (SS-X-15) missile flight development tests startedThe 31-ton lightweight two-stage RT-20P (8K99) ICBM with a maximum firing range of 9000 km was developed as part of the strategic mobile complex on a tracked chassis.The 8K99 missile flight development tests began in October 1967 at NIIP-53 (Plesetsk). Subsequently, it was decided to manufacture and supply to the Ministry of Defense one 8K99 mobile missile complex for experimental military operation. A few new engineering solutions found further application and evolution in the design of subsequent generations of liquid-propellant and solid-propellant missiles developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office. Two self-propelled mounts with the RT-20P missile mockups were shown for the first time at a military parade in Moscow on 7 November 1967. Hardly believing that this missile has an intercontinental range, the United States dubbed the new weapon the "Iron Maiden".
9 серпня, 1968 First 8K67P (SS-9 Mod 1,2) MRVed ICBM launchedThe 8K67P missile was a modification of the 8K67 missile carrying a multiple warhead (MRV). It was developed in a very short time in response to a similar development underway in the United States. The first launch of the 8K67P nissile with an experimental MRV design was performed on 9 August 1968. Of course, this design, developed, tested and put into service, was far from perfect, but the combat effectiveness of the 8K67P missile in the face of ballistic missile defense was estimated to be about twice as high as that of the 8K67. By a government decree, the R-36 (8K67P) MRVed ICBM was put into service on 26 October 1970 and remained on alert until 1979.
August 6, 1969 First 11K69 (Cyclone-2) (SL-10) launched with a missile defense IS spacecraft on boardThe first launch of the 11K69 launch vehicle, later named "Cyclone-2", with an IS ("Satellite Destroyer") spacecraft belonging to the Soviet missile defense system, was performed on 6 August 1969.For the first time in the history of rocket technologies, an automated launch complex was developed for the 11K69 rocket, becoming the hallmark of Yuzhnoye-designed space launch systems for the years to come. The 11K69 has become one of the most reliable lightweight launch vehicles in the world, with 106 missions performed without a single launch failure! The 11K69 space launch system was put into operation on 26 May 1975.
November 24, 1970 Block E launched successfully (SL-15)On 24 November 1970, the Soyuz launch vehicle, carrying Block E on board, made the first successful launch into Earth orbit. The second launch took place on 26 February 1971 and the third, on 12 August 1971. All the tests were successful. As part of the lunar spacecraft, Block E demonstrated its performance capabilities and soundness of engineering solutions incorporated in its design and was ready for operation as part of the N1-L3 space system.
December 18, 1970 Tselina-D spacecraft in orbitIn the mid-1960s, for the first time ever, OKB-586 was tasked with developing not an experimental satellite, but one of the components of an extensive space system incorporating a satellite constellation in different orbital planes. The project was named "Virgin Land", or Tselina in Russian. The system used two types of spacecraft: surveillance Tselina-O and observation Tselina-D. The Vostok-2M launch vehicle launched the Tselina-D radiotechnical observation satellite into orbit on 18 December 1970, and the Tselina-D space system was put into service in 1976. The basic component of the Tselina-D satellite had a very long life span for space industry: it was in production for more than 30 years and it was launched into space more than 80 times during this time. This is a record for Yuzhnoye SDO.
October 29, 1971 Vladimir Utkin appointed OKB-586 Chief DesignerVladimir Fedorovich Utkin (1923-2000) was appointed OKB-586 Chief Designer and Head on 29 October 1971. Having joined Yuzhnoye in 1952, Vladimir Utkin climbed up the corporate ladder from engineer to Chief Designer, not missing a single step. By the time of his appointment, he had worked for almost three and a half years as First Deputy of Mikhail Yangel, become a Doctor of Engineering Sciences, won the Lenin Prize, and had been awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. His nomination for the post of Chief Designer was also supported by the top management of Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant.
December 27, 1971 Aureole-1 spacecraft in orbitOn 27 December 1971, the 11K65M (SL-8) launch vehicle placed into orbit the Aureole-1 (Oreol-1) spacecraft developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office jointly with the French Space Center for the ARCAD (Arctic Aurora Density) science mission. To support the ARCAD project, Yuzhnoye developed a range of satellites, Oreol-1, Oreol-2 and Oreol-3, to study auroral phenomena, including auroras, in the upper latitudes of Earth. The scientific packages installed on board the spacecraft helped discover new types of natural low-frequency wave radiation and, for the first time ever, register plasma effects in the magnetosphere.
December 1, 1972 MR-UR100 (15A15) (SS-17 Mod 1,2) missile complex flight development tests startedIn August 1968, on a competitive basis, Yuzhnoye Design Office was tasked with upgrading the missile complex designed by a different company, by installing new, more up-to-date and effective intercontinental missiles into the UR-100 missile launch silos.Yuzhnoye successfully completed the task. The MR-UR100 (15A15) missile flight tests began in December 1972 and were successful. In the 1980s, the missile complex with the lightweight 15A15 missile was put into service. A mortar-style (cold) launch of a missile from a transportation-and-launch container using solid-fuel gas generators was introduced for the newly created missile complex, and the circuit design and layout solutions embedded in the 15A15 missile turned out to be so promising, well-developed and proven in operation that they were later used in all strategic missile complexes subsequently developed by Yuzhnoye.
January 21, 1973 First 15A14 (SS-18 Mod 1,2) missile cold-launchedFlight tests of the R-36M missile complex with the 15A14 missile began on 21 January 1973 at NIIP-5 (Baikonur) and continued until 1976. 43 launches were carried out during the testcampaign, 36 of which successful. The 15A14 missiles carried a ten-warhead multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle (MIRVs). A cold launch of the heavy liquid-propellant missile from a transportation-and-launch container was performed for the first time in the world practice. The R-36M (15A14) missile complex was put into service by 30 December 1975 government decree and remained on alert until 1983.
April 19, 1973 Interkosmos-Copernicus-500 spacecraft in orbitThe DS-U2-IK-8 spacecraft was launched into orbit on board an 11K63 (SL-7) launch vehicle on 19 April 1973. The space experiment prepared by Polish and Soviet experts was dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the birth of the great Polish scientist Nicolaus Copernicus. The satellite provided data on the sporadic radio solar noise and supported a systematic study of the parameters of the ionosphere at an altitude of 200 to 1500 km during the period of minimum solar activity. The experiment discovered a new type of radio noise in the ionosphere, the Bernstein waves, and a significant Type III bursts polarization at frequencies from 2 to 4 MHz.
April 19, 1975 First Indian Aryabhata satellite in orbitThe first Indian satellite Aryabhata, developed with the scientific and technical assistance of Yuzhnoye Design Office, was launched into orbit by an 8K65M (SS-5) launch vehicle on 19 April 1975.Using the experience accumulated in spacecraft design, Yuzhnoye Design Office rendered the Indian engineers assistance in choosing the spacecraft design, running strength and thermal analyses, estimating dynamic behavior, and also ran the spacecraft structural and electrical integration into the launch vehicle, took part in the ground development tests and operational documentation development, and supported operations at the Cosmodrome and in the initial phase of the spacecraft control in orbit.
June 19, 1976 Interkosmos-15 spacecraft in orbitThe development of automatic universal orbital stations began in 1973. The design studies resulted in an increase in the number of the scientific instruments installed on board the spacecraft from a few units to a couple of dozen or more, which enabled complex experiments. The first spacecraft based on the AUOS-3 bus (Interkosmos-15) was successfully launched by an (11К65М/SL-8) rocket on 19 June 1976.
July 24, 1977 First Cyclone-3 (11К68/ SL-14) rocket launchedIn the second half of the 1960s, a high-performance launch vehicle was required for launching the ballistic missile launch early warning system USK-MO spacecraft. Such a launch vehicle was soon derived from the orbital version of the R-36 missile, with the S5M upper stage added. The launch vehicle was assigned the index 11K68 (Cyclone-3).The first Cyclone-3 rocket was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 24 July 1977. Continuous nominal operations of the Cyclone-3 space launch system began in 1980 as part of the Tselina-D radiotechnical observation system, with the homonymous spacecraft developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office, and later as part of meteorological and communication systems. Further down the line, the Cyclone-3 launch vehicle placed into orbit the first Ukrainian spacecraft Sich-1 (1995) and Sich-1M (2004).
October 1, 1977 R-36M UTTh (15A18) and MR-UR100 UTTh (15A16) missile complex flight tests startedAfter the introduction of missile complexes with the R-36M (15A14) and MR-UR100 (15A15) missiles into service, Yuzhnoye Design Office was tasked with recovering the performance capabilities of these complexes by 16 August 1976 government decree.The upgrading program of both missile complexes pursued the goal of a significant increase in their tactical effectiveness with minimal modifications and mainly concerned the MRVs and the post-boost vehicles. The flight tests of both missile complexes began in October 1977 and ended in September (15A16) and November (15A18) 1979, respectively. By a government decree, the R-36M UTTh (15A18) and MR-UR100 UTTh (15A16) missile complexes were put into service on 17 December 1980.
August 28, 1978 Taifun-1 space system put into serviceThe second generation of alignment and calibration satellites, the Taifun space system, was developed in the early 1970s. The Taifun-1 satellites flight tests began on 18 June 1974. The Taifun-1 space system with Taifun-1A and Taifun-1B spacecraft was put into service on 28 August 1978.
June 7, 1979 Indian Bhaskara-1 spacecraft in orbitThe satellite launched into orbit by the Interkosmos launch vehicle on 7 June 1979 was named Bhaskara as a tribute to the 11th-century Indian astronomer and mathematician. The spacecraft was intended for experimental testing of the Earth natural resources survey remote sensing system. This was the second spacecraft jointly developed by the specialists from Yuzhnoye Design Office and the Indian Space Research Organization at the Government of India.
December 26, 1979 First Perimeter-system 15A11 (SS-17) command missile launchedYuzhnoye Design Office was tasked with developing a special command missile complex named "Perimeter" in 1974. The 15A11 missile was derived from the 15A16 ICBM by adding a special 15B99 telecommunication warhead with a high-power radio transmitting device.The first command missile with a transmitter mockup was successfully launched on 26 December 1979. The developed and implemented complex algorithms for interfacing all the systems participating in launch were tested during the flight development tests, checking whether the missile can support the specified 15B99 warhead flight trajectory and demonstrating a nominal operation of all the warhead support systems and the soundness of adopted engineering solutions. Put into service in January 1985, the Perimeter-system 15A11 command missile complex was on alert until 1995.
October 26, 1982 RT-23 (15Zh44/SS-24) missile flight development tests startedThe preliminary design of the 15Zh44 solid-propellant missile complex incorporated the best of every solution developed by the cooperating team of companies by that time. The preliminary design also approved the use of a new flight control method for the 15Zh44 missile first and second stages: the front section deflection.The first 15Zh44 missile launch took place on 26 October 1982 from the Plesetsk testing ground and was partially successful, but, most importantly, it demonstrated the validity of the adopted flight control method in the conditions of a real launch. Despite the successful flight tests, the baseline RT-23 missile complex was not accepted for service; however, it was the development of this missile complex that contributed to the emergence of the well-known SS-24 Scalpel Combat Rail-based Missile Complex by the end of the 1980s.
September 28, 1983 Okean-01 spacecraft in orbitOn 28 September 1983, the Okean-01 spacecraft was launched into orbit by a Cyclone-3 (11К68/SL-14) launch vehicle. A total of six Okean-01 spacecraft were manufactured and launched. The information provided by these spacecraft was used for regular making of medium-term and long-term Arctic sea ice predictions to support maritime operations and escort ships in extremely difficult conditions, in particular, near Wrangel Island in 1983, in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Tatar Strait, and in Antarctica in 1985. Observing the land, the spacecraft provided useful information on geological and soil structures, soil moisture content, development and dynamics of ice sheets on internal seas, lakes and rivers, and helped monitor flood dynamics.
January 18, 1984 Rail-based 15Zh52 (SS-24 Mod 1) ICBM launchedThe flight development tests of the RT-23 missile complex with the 15Zh52 (SS-24 Mod 1) missile began on 18 January 1984. The tests demonstrated the possibility in principle of launching the rail-based 15Zh52 missiles and the soundness of basic engineering solutions embedded in the missile and the launch module. Experimental data were obtained to evaluate the impact of the missile launch on the launch module assemblies and on the railway track.
27 лютого, 1985 RT-23UTTh (15Zh61/SS-24 Mod 3) BZhRK flight development tests startedThe RT-23UTTh (15Zh61/SS-24 Mod 3) missile for a rail-based missile complex was created in a relatively short time by using proven heritage engineering solutions. Its nuclear-hardened structure was the best for rail-based launch pads. The first 15Zh61 missile was successfully launched on 27 February 1985. The tests being successful, the BZhRK (Combat Rail-based Missile Complex) with the 15Zh61 missile was put into service in November 1989.
April 13, 1985 Zenit-2 (11K77/SL-16) launch vehicle flight development tests startedThe first medium-lift 11K77 (SL-16) rocket using environmentally friendly propellants, the parent of the Zenit family of launch vehicles, was launched on 13 April 1985. High performance capabilities, unique payload delivery accuracy, fully automated unmanned launch, and environmentally friendly propellants. These and other advantages of the launch vehicle and the whole space launch system enabled the Zenit to become the world's best in its class.
March 21, 1986 R-36M2 (SS-18 Mod 5,6) ("Voevoda") missile complex flight development tests started1The R-36M2 ("Voevoda") missile complex flight development tests began and the first successful 15A18M ICBM launch took place on 21 March 1986. 26 launches in total were performed under the flight test program, 20 of which successful. The R-36M2 (15A18M), "Voevoda," missile complex was put into service on 11 August 1988.This missile complex, unique in terms of its high combat and operational qualities, has no analogues in the world rocket and missile engineering: advanced status and enhanced target accuracy, missile's long persistence in flight, launcher and command post nuclear hardening, efficiency and flexibility of combat control at firing at planned and unplanned targets, missile performance capabilities with enhanced-blast warheads. It is no coincidence that after analyzing the R-36M2 missile complex characteristics, American experts gave it the self-explanatory name "Satan".
31 липня, 1986 Початок випробувань ракетного комплексу РТ-23УТТХ (15Ж60/SS-24 Mod 2)Можливості промисловості щодо виготовлення надійної і стійкої до факторів ядерного вибуху елементної бази, високоенергетичних сумішевих твердих палив, конструкційних, ерозійностійких і теплозахисних матеріалів покращилися.
Це дозволило створити ракетний комплекс РТ-23УТТХ (15Ж60) – «Молодець», який за своїми характеристиками не поступався РК США – МХ. Спільні льотні випробування ракетного комплексу РТ-23УТТХ (15Ж60) було розпочато 31 липня 1986 р. У 1989 р. комплекс прийнято на озброєння (перебував на бойовому чергуванні до 1999 р.).
May 15, 1987 Energia (11K25/SL-17) booster launched successfullyA successful launch of the Energia (11K25) launch vehicle, developed in the 1970-80s by a team of companies headed by NPO Energia, was performed on 15 May 1987. The launch vehicle was developed for launching the 100-ton Buran manned orbital vehicle into low Earth orbits.The Energia was a cluster launch vehicle composed of the core oxygen-hydrogen Block Ts stage, surrounded by four Block A oxygen-kerosene strap-on boosters, which formed the first stage. The first stage of the Zenit rocket, being developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office at the same time, was chosen as the Block A modular part. The Zenit rocket development finished well ahead of schedule, all innovative engineering solutions adopted during the first-stage development were tested in full before the Energia 11K25 launch vehicle flight tests began.
April 1, 1990 AVE-100A wind turbine field tests startedThe first Soviet wind turbine with an autonomous load, the AVE-100A, was manufactured and installed at the Pavlograd Mechanical Plant wind park in April 1990. The wind power plant, electrical equipment, and control system designs were based on original engineering solutions, unparalleled in the world wind-power engineering, drawing on the space rocket industry experience and utilizing basic rocket hardware components.
November 22, 1990 Stanislav Konyukhov appointed Head of Yuzhnoye Design OfficeAt the end of 1990, General Designer of Yuzhnoye SDO Vladimir Utkin accepted the offer to head the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash), made by the Ministry of General Machine Building. Stanislav Konyukhov (1937-2011) becomes an interim General Designer and, since 11 January 1991, General Designer of Yuzhnoye SDO. He was given the highest responsibility for the preservation, transformation, and development of Yuzhnoye Design Office at one of the most crucial moments in the Ukrainian history, when the country was experiencing fundamental political and economic transformations after it gained its independence.
December 1, 1991 First YuMZ T1 trolleybus manufacturedIn December 1991, the Production Association Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant made the first prototype of the YuMZ T1 articulated urban trolleybus in compliance with the design documentation developed by Yuzhnoye. In 1993, after successful field and operational tests with passengers on cross-town lines, the YuMZ T1 trolleybus was approved for batch production by the State Acceptance Commission.
December 18, 1991 Interkosmos-25 spacecraft in orbitOn 18 December 1991, an 11К68 (SL-14) rocket launched the AUOS-3-AP-IK spacecraft, designated "Interkosmos-25". The spacecraft was developed for an active plasma experiment to study the effects of artificial action of modulated electron and ion beams on the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere and conduct a deeper study of electrodynamic coupling of the auroral ionosphere and magnetosphere. A detailed analysis of the information obtained as a result of the Interkosmos-25 flight confirmed that the planned research program was a complete success.
January 1, 1993 First YuMZ-T2 trolleybus prototype manufacturedIn January 1993, the Production Association Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant manufactured the first prototype of the YuMZ-T2 trolleybus in compliance with the design documentation developed by Yuzhnoye. This trolleybus met every aesthetic requirement, in both outside appearance and interior design, as well as interior layout, ergonomics, and safety requirements. The serial production of the YuMZ-T2 trolleybuses began in 1998.
March 2, 1994 AUOS-SM-KI (Koronas-I) spacecraft in orbitThe AUOS-SM-KI spacecraft developed for a comprehensive scientific experiment to study solar activity was launched into orbit by an 11К68(SL-14) rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 2 March 1994. After launch, the spacecraft received the designation "Koronas-I" and successfully worked for more than six years. During the period of observations, the Koronas-I obtained the first data on the structure of coronal holes and high-temperature solar plasma spectroscopy, with solar flares and cosmic gamma-ray bursts recorded and studied in detail.
August 31, 1995 First Ukrainian satellite Sich-1 in orbitOn 31 August 1995, in support of the implementation of the National Space Program of Ukraine, the Cyclone-3 (SL-14) booster launched the first satellite under the jurisdiction of independent Ukraine. Developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office in close cooperation with subcontracting companies, the Sich-1 Earth remote sensing satellite successfully operated in orbit for over six years. The satellite provided a large volume of valuable information for many sectors of the national economy and science.
October 1, 1997 Slavutich combine harvester prototypes manufacturedMaintenance and upgrading of the existing fleet of agricultural machines and the development of own grain harvesting equipment, competitive in the domestic and foreign markets, became the prerequisites for the creation of Slavutich KZS-9-1 combine harvesters. The first prototypes of the Slavutich combine harvester were manufactured in October 1997, which was followed by its batch production. In terms of its agrotechnical and operational characteristics, the Slavutich combine harvester is in no way inferior to the best foreign counterparts, providing high output, low losses, and high grain threshing quality.
March 28, 1999 Sea Launch Zenit-3SL demo launch28 March 1999. The Zenit-3SL integrated launch vehicle was first launched from the floating launch platform positioned in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The vehicle placed a payload weighing about 4.5 tons into geostationary transfer orbit.Unique in its complexity, the Sea Launch project was carried out in close cooperation with the world's largest aerospace companies: Boeing (United States), Kvaerner (Norway), RSC Energia (Russia), Yuzhnoye SDO and PO Yuzhmash (Ukraine). The first demonstration launch paved the way for the commercial use of the Sea Launch system. In total, 36 launches were performed under the Sea Launch program, 32 of which were successful, three ended in failure and one was partially successful. The last launch took place on 27 May 2014, placing the European Eutelsat 3B communications satellite into orbit.
April 21, 1999 First Dnepr launch vehicle launched commerciallyYuzhnoye Design Office has vast experience and proven technologies for converting combat missiles into space launch vehicles. In 1997, Yuzhnoye Design Office proposed to implement the Dnepr project, based on the world's most powerful 15A18 ICBM providing high performance capabilities, payload delivery accuracy, and reliability in flight.The Dnepr launch vehicle carrying the British UoSAT-12 spacecraft was first commercially launched on 21 April 1999. The Dnepr space launch system has the following key features: short prelaunch processing time, long time spent by the fueled rocket in the launcher in constant readiness for launch, capability of replacing spacecraft and the payload unit without draining the rocket propellants and removing the vehicle from the launcher, all-weather launch capability.
July 17, 1999 Okean-O spacecraft in orbitThe development of the Okean-O, the largest spacecraft ever created by Yuzhnoye Design Office, was completed in 1999 and it was launched by the Zenit (SL-16) booster on 17 July 1999. The Okean-O included 13 unique research instruments enabling comprehensive synchronous research in the visible, infrared and microwave ranges, as well as synchronous (space-to-Earth) observations using data from ground platforms.
March 1, 2002 First AVE-250S wind turbine put into operation at the Chukotka wind farm in RussiaIn May 1992, Yuzhnoye Design Office started the development of a preproduction lot of the AVE-250S wind turbines featuring improved design, electrical equipment, and control systems. In 1994, the Yuzhnoye specialists participated in the construction of the Zapolyarnaya wind farm, comprised of six AVE-250S wind turbines, near the Russian town of Vorkuta. The construction of a wind farm in Chukotka, Russia, was launched in 2000. In March 2002, the first AVE-250S wind turbine of the Chukotka wind farm was put into operation, with all ten wind farm turbines put into operation in as early as October.
February 1, 2004 First E-186 low-floor trolleybus manufacturedIn June 2002, Yuzhnoye Design Office developed the design documentation for the E-186 trolleybus and handed it over to PO Yuzhmash. The first low-floor trolleybus adapted for people with disabilities including wheelchair users was manufactured in February 2004.
December 24, 2004 Sich-1M spacecraft in orbitA Cyclone-3 (SL-14) launch vehicle carrying the Sich-1M spacecraft and the KS5MF2 microsatellite developed by Yuzhnoye Design Office was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 24 December 2004. The Sich-1M spacecraft was built for comprehensive exploration of land, seas, oceans, atmospheric and ionospheric research, and mineral exploration. The KS5MF2 microsatellite was commissioned by the National Space Agency of Ukraine and built for Earth remote sensing, using a miniature television camera, and experimental analyses of cutting-edge microsatellite technologies.
December 1, 2005 First prototype of A-186 low-floor bus manufacturedThe development of the A-186 low-floor urban bus became a new page for the Yuzhnoye transport developers. The first prototype of the low-floor urban bus with a ramp for wheelchair passengers was manufactured by PO Yuzhmash in December 2005. After a full cycle of the A-186 commissioning work was completed, the pilot batch manufacture was approved.
April 17, 2007 EgyptSat-1 spacecraft in orbitOn 17 April 2007, the Dnepr rocket launched the EgyptSat-1 spacecraft developed by Yuzhnoye specialists at the commission of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences of Egypt. The EgyptSat-1 satellite supports the implementation of complex and varied operations, its payload including a multiband Earth imager, a middle-infrared Earth imager, and store-and-forward communication equipment.
April 28, 2008 Land Launch Zenit-3SLB first launchedInitiated by Yuzhnoye, the idea of upgrading the Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket for commercial launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, with the maximum standardization of the space launch system ground infrastructure to create all necessary conditions for processing state-of-the-art spacecraft, was embodied in the Land Launch project. The first commercial launch of the Zenit-3SLB integrated launch vehicle carrying the Israeli AMOS-3 satellite was conducted on 28 April 2008, followed by nine more successful missions for the Land Launch project.
September 1, 2010 Alexander Degtyarev appointed Head of Yuzhnoye Design OfficeBy the order of the National Space Agency of Ukraine, Alexander Viktorovich Degtyarev (1951-2020) was appointed General Designer – General Director of Yuzhnoye State Design Office on 1 September 2010.Having studied design, development and tests of strategic missile complexes and space launch systems, Alexander Degtyarev made a significant practical contribution to the development and upgrading of the SS-17, SS-18, and SS-24 missile complexes, upgrading and commercial use of the Zenit and Dnepr space launch systems and a number of spacecraft and satellite systems. A marketing and foreign economic activity department was established at Yuzhnoye at his initiative. A good network of contacts with many world space companies, space agencies of many countries, and organizations from Europe, United States, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, and other countries was established with his active participation. Alexander Degtyarev made a substantial contribution to the famous space launch systems developed under international cooperation, such as Sea Launch, Land Launch, Dnepr, Antares, and VEGA. He put great emphasis on the implementation of promising space projects, in-house spacecraft development, and development of propulsion systems for commercial purposes. In 2020, by the decree of the President of Ukraine, Alexander Degtyarev was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
August 17, 2011 Sich-2 spacecraft in orbitOn 17 August 2011, the 17th mission of the Dnepr launch vehicle was conducted from the Yasny Launch Base, launching into orbit seven spacecraft including the Yuzhnoye-developed Sich-2 satellite. The Sich-2 launch was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mikhail Yangel's birth.
February 13, 2012 European VEGA rocket with Yuzhnoye-developed upper stage main engine assembly launchedIn 2004, Yuzhnoye SDO and Fiat-Avio of Italy signed a contract for the development and manufacture of a flight model of the upper stage main engine assembly (MEA) for the European VEGA launch vehicle. The first VEGA with the upper stage MEA lifted off the Guiana Space Centre on 13 February 2012. The MEA successfully performed in compliance with the preset sequence and demonstrated high reliability and performance capabilities. In the same year, the creative team of the MEA designers was awarded the State Prize of Ukraine.
April 21, 2013 Antares launch vehicle with Yuzhnoye-developed Stage 1 Core Structure launchedThe Antares launch vehicle Stage 1 Core Structure continued the successful utilization of the Zenit rocket in international space projects. This medium-lift two-stage launch vehicle was developed by Orbital Sciences Corp. of the United States for the NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. Under the contract, Yuzhnoye Design Office and Ukrainian subcontractors became the developers of the Antares Stage 1 Core Structure, individual onboard systems, and test and ground equipment.
COMPANY DEVELOPMENT
Yuzhnoye State Design Office was founded in 1954 based on a design department of Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant.
The first missile developed by Yuzhnoye was the R-12 (SS-4), the most mass-produced medium-range missile in the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces. Four missile complex generations in all were created, with liquid-propellant and solid-propellant strategic missiles of different kinds of deployment: from the first medium-range missile to orbital and intercontinental missiles with multiple reentry vehicles and penetration aids. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, development of strategic missile systems was terminated.
The missile complex development significantly increased the scientific and technical potential of Yuzhnoye and cooperating companies, which offered scope for pursuing peaceful space exploration. Yuzhnoye developed and put into service space launch systems such as Kosmos, Cyclone-2, and Cyclone-3, with launch vehicles converted from in-house designed missiles. These launch vehicles were widely used in the Soviet and first international space programs.
Commissioned in 1985, the Yuzhnoye’s environmentally friendly Zenit launch vehicle with a fully automated unmanned launch played an important role in the development of the Soviet rocket technology. This rocket became one of the best launch vehicles in the world. A cluster of four Zenit first stages was used as a boost stage of the Energia-Buran space transportation system.
To support Earth and space exploration, Yuzhnoye developed more than 80 types of spacecraft and automatic orbital stations to perform space research, Earth remote sensing, and defense functions. A lot of research was made possible thanks to Yuzhnoye-designed standard satellite buses, which allowed using a set of support systems, satellite structure, and onboard equipment control circuit irrespective of a scientific mission at hand.
Development of new missiles called forth the development of respective propulsion in- house. In the late 1950s, a propulsion design bureau was formed within Yuzhnoye to develop liquid-propellant engines. Starting from the 1970s, Yuzhnoye and Yuzhmash, which then included Pavlograd mechanical plant, successfully began producing solid-propellant rocket motors. To date, they have developed about 100 types of mature rocket motors.
In 1991, when Ukraine gained independence, the country created its own aerospace industry with the National Space Agency at the head. The primary objectives of the industry include implementation of national space programs and big space projects in close cooperation with the international space community.
In the period of transition from the leading Soviet rocket-production organization to a company of the independent Ukraine, Yuzhnoye developed and manufactured a number of products for different sectors of the economy: production prototypes of passenger transport (buses and trolley-buses), conforming to world standards, wind-electric installations of different capacity, etc.
However, the main area of Yuzhnoye’s business is space technology. Yuzhnoye is the main actor in the national space programs. On Yuzhnoye’s credit side is the development and launch of Sich series remote sensing satellites.
The company was successful in entering the world’s launch services market. For example, the upgraded Zenit launch vehicle became the rocket segment of international programs Sea Launch, where it is operated from the equatorial launch site in the Pacific, and Land Launch, where it lifts off from Baikonur Cosmodrome.
By upgrading decommissioned missiles, Yuzhnoye and its partners from International Space Company Kostmotras developed a conversion light-weight three-stage Dnepr launch vehicle used for peaceful purposes to launch spacecraft operated by various countries.
Within the framework of cooperation with Egypt, Yuzhnoye designed and orbited the EgyptSat-1 satellite and trained Egyptian personnel, to whom they transferred control over the satellite.
In 2000s, Yuzhnoye started developing components for other than in-house designed launch vehicles. E.g., a Yuzhnoye-developed and Yuzhmash-produced liquid-propellant rocket engine is used in the fourth stage of the European VEGA launch vehicle operated from Kourou Space Center. Yuzhnoye developed and Yuzhmash produces the Stage 1 Core Structure for the Antares launch vehicle made by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the United States.