Russia successfully launches Angara A5 rocket

Russia tested its Angara-A5 space rocket for the first time on 11 April 2024. This test-launch was done from Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East. Earlier, two launches of Angara rocket on April 9 and 10 were cancelled at the last minute.

• In fact, rocket test launches on April 9 and 10 were canceled due to a malfunction in the pressurization system and a problem with the engine launch-control system.

Angara rocket's third test successful:

• However, this is Russia's third test which was successful. April 11 has been a lucky day for Russian space officials.
• Russia celebrated Cosmonaut Day in anticipation of the upcoming test. In fact, 63 years ago in 1961, Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union became the first person to go to outer space. This day is called Cosmonaut Day.

Rocket weight of Angara rocket:

• According to mission control that launched the rocket, it reached an altitude of more than 25,000 kilometers (15,500 mi) per hour within minutes as it blasted off into space. Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, confirmed that the rocket operated as expected. 
• The Angara rocket is a 54.5 meter (178.81 ft) three-stage rocket. Its weight is about 773 tons, about 24.5 tons of which can be carried into space.

About Russia's Angara Project:

• Russia launched the Angara project in 1991, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the goal of creating a domestically produced launch vehicle.
• The first Angara-A5 test flight took place in 2014 and the second in 2020 from Plesetsk in northern Russia. In 2021, a partial test of the Angara project was carried out, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.
• President Vladimir Putin has touted Angara's role in national security, although the project has been plagued by significant delays and technical setbacks.
• Angara A5 is designed to replace Russia's Proton launcher.
• Russia began work on the Angara rocket project to maintain access to space after the deal to lease Baikonur from Kazakhstan expires in 2050.
• Russia hopes to use Angara's cargo capabilities to deliver modules to rival the ISS. This he hopes to build in the coming years.