# Rokot

> series of Russian space launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q682764](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q682764)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rokot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rokot

## Summary  
Rokot is a series of Russian expendable, three‑stage‑to‑orbit launch vehicles derived from the Soviet UR‑100N intercontinental ballistic missile. Operated by Eurockot Launch Services, Rokot is classified as a small‑lift launch vehicle and uses hydrazine as its propellant.

## Key Facts  
- **Vehicle class:** Expendable launch vehicle; also a three‑stage‑to‑orbit, small‑lift launch vehicle.  
- **Heritage:** Based on the UR‑100N (SS‑19) ICBM design.  
- **Manufacturer/operator:** Eurockot Launch Services.  
- **Country of origin:** Soviet Union (original design) and Russia (current production).  
- **Propellant:** Uses hydrazine for its upper stages.  
- **Aliases:** Rockot, Ро́кот, РС‑18Б.  
- **Wikidata description:** “series of Russian space launch vehicle.”  
- **Image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Rokot_Rocket.jpg  
- **Sitelink count (Wikidata):** 28 language editions, including ar, bg, ca, cs, de, en, es, fi, fr.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the Rokot launch vehicle?  
A: Rokot is a Russian expendable launch vehicle derived from the UR‑100N missile, used to place small payloads into low‑Earth orbit.  

### Q: Who builds and operates Rokot?  
A: The rockets are manufactured and launched by Eurockot Launch Services, a joint venture that commercializes the former Soviet missile.  

### Q: What kind of payloads can Rokot carry?  
A: As a small‑lift launch vehicle, Rokot is designed for modest‑mass satellites, including scientific, Earth‑observation, and communications spacecraft.  

### Q: What propellant does Rokot use?  
A: Rokot’s upper stages are powered by hydrazine, a hypergolic fuel commonly used in orbital launch systems.  

### Q: How is Rokot related to other satellites?  
A: Rokot has launched a variety of satellites such as the Czech MIMOSA microsatellite, ESA’s Sentinel‑5 Precursor, and several Russian Gonets communication satellites.  

## Why It Matters  
Rokot illustrates how legacy military technology can be repurposed for peaceful, commercial spaceflight. By converting the UR‑100N ICBM into a reliable, low‑cost launch system, Eurockot offers a niche service for small‑payload customers who need access to low‑Earth orbit without the expense of larger launchers. This capability has supported a diverse roster of missions—from scientific research (e.g., Sentinel‑5 Precursor) to communications (e.g., Gonets series) and technology demonstrations (e.g., PROBA‑2). Rokot’s use of hydrazine and its three‑stage architecture provide a proven, straightforward solution that complements larger launch providers, expanding the overall flexibility and resilience of the global launch market.

## Notable For  
- **Conversion of an ICBM:** First commercial launch vehicle derived from the Soviet UR‑100N missile.  
- **Small‑lift niche:** Provides dedicated access for payloads that are too light for medium‑class rockets.  
- **Hydrazine propulsion:** Utilizes hypergolic hydrazine in its upper stages, simplifying ignition and flight operations.  
- **Eurockot partnership:** Operated by a joint Russian‑European venture, showcasing international collaboration in space launch services.  
- **Broad mission portfolio:** Has placed scientific, Earth‑observation, and communications satellites into orbit, demonstrating versatility.

## Body  

### Development and Heritage  
- Rokot’s design traces back to the UR‑100N (also known as SS‑19) intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Soviet Union.  
- After the Cold War, the missile was retired and repurposed for civilian launch use, forming the basis of the Rokot series.  

### Technical Overview  
- **Configuration:** Three‑stage launch vehicle; first two stages are derived from the missile’s booster, third stage provides orbital insertion.  
- **Propulsion:** First two stages use the original missile’s solid‑propellant motors; the third stage burns hydrazine.  
- **Payload capacity:** Optimized for small‑mass payloads typical of scientific and Earth‑observation missions.  

### Manufacturing and Operations  
- **Manufacturer:** Eurockot Launch Services, a joint venture that markets the vehicle to international customers.  
- **Country of origin:** Originally Soviet, later produced in Russia under Eurockot management.  

### Mission History (selected)  
- **MIMOSA (Czech Republic):** Scientific microsatellite launched on a Roket vehicle.  
- **Sentinel‑5 Precursor (ESA):** Earth‑observation mission for atmospheric monitoring.  
- **Gonets series (Russia):** Communications satellites (e.g., Gonets M 05‑M 13) placed into orbit by Rokot.  
- **PROBA‑2 (ESA):** Technology demonstration satellite launched using Rokot.  

### Related Vehicles and Programs  
- Rokot belongs to the broader class of **expendable launch vehicles** and **small‑lift launch vehicles**, sharing characteristics with other converted missile launchers.  
- It is part of a family of Russian launch systems that include the **Kosmos** series and other ICBM‑derived rockets.  

### Current Status  
- Rokot continues to be offered as a commercial launch option for customers requiring reliable, low‑cost access to low‑Earth orbit.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Rokot",
  "description": "Series of Russian expendable, three‑stage‑to‑orbit launch vehicles derived from the UR‑100N missile.",
  "sameAs": [
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  "additionalType": "RocketSeries"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](http://www.francetvinfo.fr/sciences/espace/pourquoi-les-inuits-s-inquietent-ils-du-lancement-d-un-satellite-europeen_2417563.html)