Other world powers are also stepping up efforts to develop and introduce their new generation launch vehicles.

Russia is developing its new Angara rocket family series, which will consist of rockets that have different thrust powers. The rockets will range from 2 to 72 tons and will be assembled from various all-purpose rocket modules. If successfully developed, the Angara carrier rockets will replace the existing launch vehicles as the country’s future main force in space launch technology.

As for the United States, research into the newest launch vehicle called the Space Launch System (SLS) has progressed. The rocket will be the most powerful one ever built, with its engine measuring 54 meters long, and its payload expected to exceed 130 tons. The test launch of SLS was successful in March last year, with its formal launch scheduled for 2017.

Meanwhile, the European Space Agency is developing Ariane-6. The newest generation of the carrier rocket is equipped with a hydrogen-oxygen engine and a more flexible solid booster. Ariane-6 is scheduled to make its maiden launch in 2020. It will replace the current Ariane-5 rocket.