NK-15
The NK-15 (GRAU index 11D51) was a rocket engine designed and built in the late 1960s by the Kuznetsov Design Bureau. The NK designation was derived from the initials of chief designer Nikolay Kuznetsov. The NK-15 was among the most powerful LOX/kerosene rocket engines when it was built, with a high specific impulse and low structural mass. It was intended for the ill-fated Soviet N-1 Moon rocket. History The engine equipped the N1 rocket - the first two launch attempts failed due to this engine. Its successor the NK-33 was to be used on the N1F, a new version of the N1, but the program was cancelled. Versions NK-15V (GRAU index 11D52): Modified NK-15 optimized for vacuum operation, used on the N1 second stage. See also Comparison of orbital rocket engines References NK-15, Encyclopedia Astronautica ОАО СНТК им. Н. Д. Кузнецова Propulsion Nositel (N) -1 External links Rocket engines of the Soviet Union Rocket engines using kerosene propellant Soviet lunar program Science and technology in the Soviet Union Rocket engines using the staged combustion cycle