| The Dnepr rocket is a space launch vehicle named after the Dnieper River. It is a converted ICBM used for launching artificial satellites into orbit, operated by launch service provider ISC Kosmotras. The Dnepr is based on the R-36MUTTH ICBM -- called the SS-18 Satan by NATO -- designed by the Yuzhnoe Design Bureau in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine. Its control system developed and produced by the JSC "Khartron", Kharkiv. The Dnepr is three-stage rocket using storable hypergolic liquid propellants. The launch vehicles used for satellite launches are withdrawn from service with the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces and stored for commercial use. A group of 150 ICBMs can be converted for use and are available until 2020. (From WIkipedia: en.wikipedia.org |
