Hypothetical Rocket

[Stan Black]

Afternoon all,

I know the ol' Proton uses toxic fuel... but just wondering, if there was the need could a smaller version be produced?

1st Stage
Four engine & fuel tanks clustered around a shorter oxidiser tank. 120-60-120-60 degree spacing. Interstage on top.

2nd Stage
Same tank volume. Propulsion single RD-275 (RD-254) and a steering & tank pressurisation engine.

3rd Stage
Briz-M

No new parts (or major design changes) and it could use the existing facilites...

Stan

[Danderman]

Not very affordably. The six outboard engines are supported by launch pad infrastructure which is very precisely aligned with the engines. Changing the spacing of the engines would require significant pad development.

Also, shorter stages mean different gantry swing arms.

[Jim]

What is the need for it?  Angara is taking over the missions.  Also Soyuz does the smaller missions.

Also there would be a need for a major design change.  The Proton engines only gimbal in one plane.

[edkyle99]

Afternoon all,

I know the ol' Proton uses toxic fuel... but just wondering, if there was the need could a smaller version be produced?

1st Stage
Four engine & fuel tanks clustered around a shorter oxidiser tank. 120-60-120-60 degree spacing. Interstage on top.

2nd Stage
Same tank volume. Propulsion single RD-275 (RD-254) and a steering & tank pressurisation engine.

3rd Stage
Briz-M

No new parts (or major design changes) and it could use the existing facilites...

Stan

Without trying to precisely model this, my first guess is that such a launch vehicle would be a little bit less capable than Zenit 3SLB/DMSLB and a little bit more capable than Soyuz FG/Fregat or Soyuz 2/Fregat.    Russia is developing Angara A5 to replace Proton, an effort that originally included a smaller Angara A3 with nearly the same performance as your postulated "Mini-Proton".  Apparently, Russia has shelved plans for Angara A3, most likely due to the existence of the Soyuz launch vehicle line.  If Russia doesn't think it needs Angara A3, then it also would not need a "Mini-Proton".

 - Ed Kyle

[Stan Black]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40557.msg1551443#msg1551443

[zubenelgenubi]

Hmmm...    Reads a lot like, oh, what could one call it....Proton Light?

NSF counting coup 8 years into the future = +1 internets for Stan

It appears that the Russian "powers-that-be" aren't listening to their Jims, Eds, and Dandermans.  Most likely to their detriment.