Zenit-2

Yuzhnoye / Yuzhmash

A powerful Ukrainian-built rocket designed as a Sea Launch platform vehicle — used the revolutionary RD-171 engine.

Zenit-2 was designed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau as a medium-to-heavy lift rocket. Its first stage used the RD-171, the most powerful single-chamber liquid rocket engine ever built, burning liquid oxygen and kerosene. Zenit formed the basis of the Sea Launch program, which launched from a converted oil platform in the Pacific Ocean.

Fun facts

Its RD-171 engine is the most powerful single-chamber rocket engine ever built.

Basis for the Sea Launch program — orbital launches from a floating ocean platform.

SpaceX's Merlin engine was partly inspired by the RD-171's design philosophy.

Height

57 m

Diameter

3.9 m

Mass

459 t

Stages

Thrust