Russia Launches New Grasshopper Rocket Initiative

Russia is moving forward with plans to develop a reusable rocket, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9, after initially dismissing the concept. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, announced the construction of a prototype vehicle, dubbed 'Grasshopper,' to test the vertical landing capabilities of the Amur rocket's first stage. This development marks a shift in Russia's approach to reusable launch systems, with the Amur rocket's debut now expected no earlier than 2030.