Khrunichev State Research Center

Khrunichev State Research Center, founded in 1916 and based in Moscow, Russia, is a major Russian manufacturer specializing in launch vehicles, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. The company is best known as the primary manufacturer of the Proton rocket, a long-serving and reliable workhorse for both Russian government and commercial payloads to various orbits. Beyond the Proton, Khrunichev is actively developing the next-generation Angara rocket family, intended to replace existing launch systems and provide Russia with independent access to space.

A key component of Khrunichev’s offerings is the Briz upper stage, utilized with both Proton and Angara rockets to enhance payload delivery capabilities and mission flexibility. This upper stage provides in-space maneuvering and precise orbital insertion. While specific details regarding spacecraft production are limited in available information, the company’s stated capabilities encompass the full spectrum of space systems development.

As a historic aerospace facility with over a century of experience, Khrunichev plays a critical role in Russia’s space program. The company’s continued development of the Angara family signifies a commitment to maintaining independent launch capabilities and adapting to evolving space access needs.

Given the limited publicly available information, a comprehensive assessment of Khrunichev’s customer base is difficult. However, as a major state-owned enterprise, it is understood to serve primarily the Russian government and its space agencies, while also historically providing launch services to international commercial clients.