RD-0126

The RD-0126 is a liquid-propellant rocket engine developed in Russia by KBKhA (Chemical Automatics Design Bureau). It's a staged combustion cycle engine designed to burn liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene (RG-1) propellants. The RD-0126 is intended primarily for use as an upper stage engine, specifically designed for vacuum operation. Its primary application was planned for use on the prospective Angara launch vehicle family.

The engine is characterized by high specific impulse achieved through its efficient staged combustion cycle. This cycle burns the fuel and oxidizer in multiple stages, maximizing the energy extracted from the propellants. Key features typically associated with staged combustion include higher chamber pressures and the use of turbopumps to deliver propellants into the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance compared to simpler engine cycles.

Development of the RD-0126 engine was closely linked to the Angara program, aiming to provide Russia with an independent access to space, relying on launch facilities and technology located within its own territory. However, development and deployment schedules faced various changes and delays.

The RD-0126 engine represents a modern design and advanced capabilities in Russian rocket engine technology, focusing on performance optimization for upper stage applications within the Angara program.