Volga (rocket stage)

Volga is a Russian rocket upper stage developed by RKTs Progress of Samara for the Soyuz-2 family, in particular the Soyuz-2.1v. It was derived from the propulsion module of the Yantar reconnaissance satellite and is a close relative of the retired Ikar upper stage. Development began in 2008 and the design was finalized in 2010. Volga acts as a third stage able to place payloads of up to 1,400 kilograms into orbits as high as 1,500 kilometres, and it is especially suited to Sun-synchronous orbits of about 850 kilometres. It is a lighter and cheaper alternative to the Fregat upper stage, costing up to four times less according to its manufacturer, and a typical mission lasts between 60 and 120 minutes with the stage providing attitude control and, if needed, deorbiting afterwards. Fitting it required changes to the Soyuz payload section. This entry rests on one encyclopedia article; a second independent source is owed.