| Volga | |
| Manufacturer: | RKTs Progress |
| Country-Origin: | Russia |
| Derived From: | Ikar |
| Launches: | 9 |
| Success: | 8 |
| Other Outcome: | 1 (partial failure) |
Volga (ru|Волга, GRAU index: 14S46 / 141KS) is a Russian rocket upper stage designed for use with the Soyuz-2.1a and Soyuz-2.1v rockets. It was derived from the propulsion module of the Yantar satellite, and is closely related to the retired Ikar upper stage.[2] [3] It serves as a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to the Fregat upper stage, used on most Soyuz-2 missions. RKTs Progress began development of the Volga in 2008 and the design was finalized in 2010.
Proposed during the development of the Soyuz-2.1v, Volga serves as a third stage capable of delivering payloads up to into orbits as high as . It is particularly suited for inserting satellites into Sun-synchronous orbits of around . Leveraging existing satellite propulsion technology, Volga costs up to four times less than Fregat and the manufacturer says it could replace it in many Soyuz-2.1a missions.[4]
To accommodate Volga, several modifications were made to the Soyuz payload section, including to antennas, connectors, pyrotechnic devices, and foam insulation inside the fairing.
Typical missions last between 60 and 120 minutes and can deploy a single or multiple payloads with the Volga providing attitude control during flight. After completing its mission, it can deorbit or move to a safe distance. The stage has a maximum operational life of 24 hours.