December 28, 2013 at 4:30pm (Moscow time) Soyuz-2-1v with Volga Upper Stage, AIST small satellite and dummy spheres was successfully launched from Plesetsk space range.

Soyuz-2-1v integrated launch vehicle was launched nominally. Volga Upper Stage successfully placed payload onto the specified orbit.

Two-stage light-class Soyuz-2-1v carrier was designed and manufactured by TsSKB-Progress to place payloads on low near-earth orbit; if used with Volga Upper Stage it is capable to inject payload onto sun-synchronous orbit.

Soyuz-2-1v LV was developed to maximally implement structural elements, onboard systems, production, processing and launch facilities available for launch vehicles of Soyuz-2 type. Such approach allowed significant reduction of the launch vehicle development, operation and launch cost.

Soyuz-2-1v I stage is equipped with NK-33A (design of Kuznetsov JSC) main propulsion engine and RD0110R steering engine (designed by KBKhA and Voronezh Engineering Works).

The Volga Upper Stage designed and manufactured by TsSKB-Progress is used as a part of Soyuz-2-1v to support energy-optimal profile of payload injection into medium near-circular and sun-synchronical orbits. Combined propulsion system originally designed for the Earth remote sensing satellites is used as a propulsion system of the Upper Stage.

Prototype of AIST small satellite launch with Soyuz-21-v is a joint project of TsSKB-Progress and Samara State Aerospace University.

Launch of a light-class carrier is an expected event in the space industry of Russia, as currently there is a tendency to launch small satellites and reduce charges for their delivery if compared to those while using middle-class and heavy-lift carriers.

Being the leading Russian manufacturer of middle-class launchers and having performed a successful launch of a light-class Soyuz-21v ILV, TsSKB-Progress enters a new launch service market.

Management of TsSKB-Progress expresses gratitude to the employees of the enterprise, co-operating companies and military forces for preparation and launch of Soyuz-2-1v - a new Russian integrated launch vehicle.