RD-58

The RD-58 (11D-58) rocket engine was developed to propel the Block-D as part of an N-1 moon program. Russia's original N-1 moon vehicle used the Block-G to propel the lunar lander out of LEO and on a trans-lunar trajectory. The Block-D, which uses a similar configuration, was developed to initially place the lunar orbiter / lander into a lunar orbit and then decelerate it out onto its landing trajectory. The Block-D was also designed to be compatible with the Proton launch vehicle - allowing smaller probes and manned vehicles to be sent to the moon. The Block-D was used as part of Russia's successful lunar sample return mission. In the years that followed the race to the moon, the 11D-58 and the Block-D were critical to Russia's planetary exploration program.

In the mid-1980's the 11D-58S was developed to serve as both the Buran OMS engines and to power the upgraded Block-DM. The new 11D-58S uses a synthetic kerosene known as "syntin" to increase the engine Isp from 353 to 361 seconds.

At present the Rd-58 is used as the fourth stage on the Proton Rocket and the third stage of SeaLaunch (Zenit 3SL).

There are plans to use the Rd-58 on the new Aurora Launch Vehicle and Vozdushny An-124 Air Launch System.

References:

http://www.spaceandtech.com/spacedata/engines/11d58_sum.shtml

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