- FACTS ABOUT THE ROCKET - - Built for the USSR/Russia for their Soyuz Program between 1966 to the present day. - This rocket was the most reliable rocket in the world and is often compared to Falcon 9. - This rocket is derived from the Soviet R-7 missile/ Vostok rocket, and designed by Sergei Korolev. - The Soyuz is fueled with RP-1 and liquid oxygen (LOX). - This rocket is designed to reach orbit and has 3 stages. - When the four boosters fall away, it makes a little plume of smoke in a cross. This is known as the "Korolev Cross", named after the Soyuz's designer.