Block E (rocket)
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Block E internal diagram | |
Description | |
Role | Propulsion Unit |
Engines | RD-858 and RD-859 |
Height | 1720 mm |
Diameter | 2380 mm |
Empty Mass | 525 kg |
Fueled Mass | 2,950 kg |
Block E is the propulsion unit of Soviet lunar module LK, developed in 1960s by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau as a part of the manned lunar landing program. Block E was designed to soft land LK on the surface of the Moon after orbital velocity was cancelled by Block D and later to launch LK to the Moon orbit for the rendezvous with Soyuz 7K-LOK.[1][2]
Block E used RD-858, which has one nozzle and is deeply throttleable (from 2050 kg to 858 kg of thrust),[3] as the primary engine. The backup engine was RD-859, which has two nozzles. Engines were equipped with clam-shell doors to prevent damaging it while staying on the surface of the Moon. There were four additional vernier engines placed between main and backup engine nozzles.
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