Cyclone-2

For the first time in rocket engineering, a space launch system featured a fully automated launch operations cycle, which was the result of large amount of research and development work. The Cyclone-2 is a lightweight launch vehicle for delivering payloads into low circular and elliptical Earth orbits, including open orbits.

Yuzhnoye designed the Cyclone-2 based on the 8K69 missile. The specific characteristics of the Cyclone-2 are high reliability and an automated-launch capability at any time of day in any weather.

The first launch of the Cyclone-2 occurred on August 6, 1969 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan; the last one, in June 2006. The Cyclone-2 holds a unique record in rocketry: all 106 launches of this launch vehicle were successful.

Basic Specifications