Moscow: Russian private company Space Energy plans to launch its Kamchatka-1 suborbital ultra-light rocket for the first time in the third quarter of 2026, the company's chief designer, Georgy Emelin, told RIA Novosti. "The suborbital launch of the Kamchatka-1 rocket is planned for the third quarter of 2026. The mission's primary objective is to reach the Karman line [100 kilometers or 62 miles above sea level]. We will be able to discuss the specific launch date closer to that time, as it largely depends on logistics and approval procedures," Emelin said. He noted that the launch would be broadcast live.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Kapustin Yar launch site in the Astrakhan Region has been tentatively selected as the Kamchatka-1 launch site. Emelin clarified that Russian spaceports currently lacked launch pads fully compatible with the company's rockets, so site selection is largely determined by the availability of sufficient space and the ability to develop a launch pad. "We are currently gathering and preparing all the necessary documents to approve the use of the launch site," he added.

The company's Telegram channel revealed that the launch weight of the Kamchatka-1 solid-fuel rocket is 297 kilograms. The rocket is just over five meters long and has a diameter of 0.37 meters.