Molniya-M

The Molniya-M, designation 8K78M, was a Soviet (later Russian) carrier rocket derived from the R-7 Semyorka ICBM. The original 8K78 booster had been the product of a rushed development program and its launch record was no better than the 8K72 Luna booster of 1958-60. As such, work began at the Korolev Bureau to improve the basic 8K78 vehicle. The core and strap-ons engines were enhanced still further and the Kosberg Bureau completely redesigned the Blok I stage. The Blok L engine was also slightly enhanced. The first six 8K78Ms built used RD-0108 engines in the Blok I stage, which was also used in the two crewed Voskhod boosters, all subsequent 8K78Ms using RD-0110 engines which were shared with the Soyuz booster.