Zenit-2 launch vehicle (LV) is a part of the Integrated Launch Vehicle (ILV) Zenit. It is two-stage rocket on non-toxic propellants - liquid oxygen and kerosene RG-1, intended for injection of spacecrafts (SC) into low circular (up to 1500 km) and elliptic near-Earth orbits of various inclinations. At first it was elaborated for quick deployment and replenishment of SC constellations of various destinations and for launching manned space vehicles.
The first launch of Zenit-2 was performed on April 13, 1985. By January 01, 2003, 35 launches were performed, from them 30 successful. Besides, the improved units of its first stage were used in capacity of the strap-on boosters for Energia LV and performed successfully within two launches (in total 8 rocket units).
At present Zenit-2 LV is used periodically for launching SCs under requests of Ukraine and Russian Federation.
- Horizontal technology of integration and transportation allows significant simplification of technological equipment and prelaunch preparation.
- Full automatization of prelaunch processing provides minimum duration of launch preparation, the highest safety of personnel, LV independence on weather conditions and short-time refurbishment of the launch place for the next launch.
- High reliability foreseen by projecting and ensured by the proven manufacturing processes.
- Ecologically clean propellants.

Zenit-2 power characteristics

Zenit-2 characteristics

	Maximum lift-off mass, t	460
	Payload mass injected into ISS orbit, t: Hcirc=400 km; i=51.6°	11,42
	Propellant mass, t	409
	Engines thrust during LV start, tf	740
	Maximum acceleration during injection, g	4,0 - 6,0*
	Propellants	liquid oxygen/kerosene
	Accuracy SC injection (orbit of Нcirc=200km, i=90 ) - per altitude, km - per inclination, ang. min - in revolution, s	3,5 2,0 2,5
	Full length, m	57,0
	Diameter of LV stages (1st and 2nd), m	3,9
	Nose fairing diameter, m	3,9
	Number of stages	2
	Service beginning	April,1985.
	*Note: The maximum acceleration may be reduced during the injection to 4g, if necessary

Layout scheme

Zenit-2 LV is designed in accordance with the monoblock tandem scheme and contains:
first stage unit;
second stage unit;
nose fairing.
The general appearance of Zenit-2 LV is shown in above Table.

Zenit-2 LV presents an optimal solution in terms of power characteristics, reliability, accuracy and cost of SC injection, which has been reached owing to utilization of developed systems and optimal planning of production process, transportation technology, prelaunch preparation and launch.