Topic: Sergei Korolev's role in the Soviet R-7 rocket
DFBrunswick Member
Posts: 40 From: California, USA Registered: May 2015
posted 06-15-2017 02:36 PM
The Chief Designer of Soviet spacecraft, Sergei Korolev designed the Sputnik satellites, the Vostok and Soyuz spacecrafts and designed the first ICBM — the R-7. But Korolev apparently could not design rocket engines. Valentin Glushko was the designer of the rocket engines used on the R-7 missile.
But Korolev is always credited with being the designer of the R-7. Is it not more appropriate to say that the R-7 was designed by Korolev and Glushko? And more precisely, what were the major components of the R-7 that Korolev should be credited with?
dom Member
Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 06-15-2017 04:19 PM
I think it's best to think of Korolev as a brilliant project manager just like von Braun. Glushko provided the engines, whilst Mikhail Tikhonravov came up with the unique "packet rocket" stage design of the R-7. Korolev created the R-7 just like von Braun "created" the Saturn V.
DFBrunswick Member
Posts: 40 From: California, USA Registered: May 2015
posted 06-16-2017 02:04 AM
I think that is a great way to describe Korolev — as a project manager.
I am still curious to know what engineering elements of the R-7 or any spacecraft such as the Vostok and the Soyuz that Korolev deserves credit on.
dom Member
Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 06-16-2017 11:33 AM
All the answers are in James Harford's definitive biography "Korolev: How One Man Masterminded the Soviet Drive to Beat America to the Moon."
There's one detailed chapter in that excellent book that will explain it far better than I ever could. Well worth getting a copy if you're seriously interested in Korolev!
Jim Behling Member
Posts: 1463 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
posted 06-16-2017 12:02 PM
quote:Originally posted by DFBrunswick: Is it not more appropriate to say that the R-7 was designed by Korolev and Glushko?
Engine designers are not credited with rocket design.