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astronautix.com Proton 17S40
Block D / 11D68
Block D / 11D68 - Aft view of the Block D lunar crasher stage and its 11D68 engine. The Block D would have taken the LK lunar lander to near the surface of the moon. This stage remains in use today atop the Proton rocket.

Credit: © Mark Wade. 52,122 bytes. 398 x 580 pixels.

Gross Mass: 14,600 kg. Empty Mass: 3,300 kg. Thrust (vac): 8,670 kgf. Isp: 352 sec. Burn time: 450 sec. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene Diameter: 3.7 m. Span: 3.7 m. Length: 7.1 m. Country: Russia. No Engines: 1. RD-58M Status: Hardware. Other designations: Block DM; D-1-e.

Also known as Block DM-5. Commercial version is Block DM2, with Iridium dispenser, designed for insertion of multiple LM 700 (Iridium) spacecraft into medium earth orbit. With guidance unit, modification of 11S861 stage for heavier payloads and with different payload adapter.

Engine 11D68 detailEngine 11D68 detail - Closeup view of the 11D68 Block D lunar crasher stage showing detiail of the BOZ orientation/ullage thrusters that control the stage during coast, restart, and maneuver.

Credit: © Mark Wade. 43,376 bytes. 393 x 424 pixels.

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Last update 12 March 2001.
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