Russian Angara-A5V Rocket Surpasses SpaceX's Falcon 9 in Payload Capacity

The Russian space agency Roscosmos has announced that its Angara-A5B rocket, equipped with reversible first and second stages, is capable of carrying up to 27 tons of payload to low Earth orbit, surpassing the payload capacity of SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket. The Angara-A5V version of the rocket, featuring a hydrogen third stage, can carry an even more impressive 37.5 tons into low Earth orbit in a single-use configuration.

While the Angara-A5V boasts a higher payload capacity than the Falcon 9, it is not classified as a super-heavy rocket. The reusable Falcon 9 can carry 17.5 tons into orbit, making the Angara-A5B's payload capacity a significant improvement. However, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy remains the only reusable rocket with a larger payload capacity than the Angara-A5B, capable of carrying up to 50 tons in a return staged version and up to 64 tons in a fully expendable version.

Why this matters: The development of the Angara-A5B rocket by Roscosmos marks a significant advancement in Russia's space capabilities, potentially challenging SpaceX's dominance in the reusable rocket market. This competition could drive further innovation and cost reduction in the space industry.

Roscosmos plans to continue studies on the reusable version of the Angara-A5B in the next program period, spanning from 2026 to 2035. The Angara-A5B's payload capacity is expected to be on par with the Angara-A5M rocket, showcasing Russia's commitment to developing powerful and efficient launch vehicles.

The announcement of the Angara-A5V's payload capacity demonstrates Russia's progress in the space industry and its ability to compete with private companies like SpaceX. As the competition in the reusable rocket market intensifies, the impact of this development on the future of space exploration and satellite launches remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Roscosmos' Angara-A5B rocket can carry 27 tons to low Earth orbit, exceeding Falcon 9.
• Angara-A5V can carry 37.5 tons, but is not a super-heavy rocket like Falcon Heavy.
• Angara-A5B's payload capacity marks progress in Russia's space capabilities, challenging SpaceX.
• Roscosmos plans to study a reusable version of Angara-A5B from 2026 to 2035.
• The competition in reusable rocket market could drive innovation and cost reduction.