You're reading: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan capable of building super heavy rocket to Moon in 3-4 years

MOSCOW - Russia in cooperation with Ukraine and Kazakhstan is capable of building a new super heavy carrier rocket for manned flights to the Moon, Vitaly Lopota, President of Russia's Energia rocket and space corporation, told reporters at an aerospace congress in Moscow on Monday, Aug, 27.

“Within three or maximum four years we will be able to create a super
heavy carrier rocket capable of putting a manned transportation complex
on its path to the moon,” he said, adding that the project would
require the participation of Ukrainian and Kazakh specialists.

He believes the RD-171 engine used in Zenith rockets may be borrowed.

Representatives of Ukraine and Kazakhstan had contacted him on the
issue, Lopota said, and he also has the support of Roscosmos chief
Vladimir Popovkin.

To deliver a 20-ton manned spacecraft to a 200-km orbit, the rocket must have a lift capacity of 60-70-tons, he said.