Rocket and Space Centre "Progress", commonly known as RKTs Progress , is a Russian joint-stock company under Roscosmos. It is responsible for building and operating the Soyuz family of rockets, which serve as the primary launch vehicles for the Russian space program.
The company traces its origins to the Soviet-era State Aviation Factory No. 1, established in Samara in 1941, which came to be known as "Progress." In 1974, the Central Specialized Design Bureau (TsSKB) was established to refine the R-7 rocket’s design. In 1996, these two entities merged to form the company TsSKB-Progress.
History
The company traces its origins to the Dux Factory, established in Moscow in 1894 as a small bicycle manufacturer. At the start of the 20th century, the Dux Factory transitioned from bicycles to producing cars and airships. By 1910, its focus shifted to aircraft manufacturing. During World War I, Dux supplied the Russian Army with various aircraft, including the Morane-Saulnier G, Voisin L, Voisin LAS, Nieuport 17, Nieuport 24, and several models from the Farman family (IV, VII, XVI, XXX). The factory also produced a significant number of military bicycles. By 1917, it had become one of the largest aircraft manufacturing centers in the Russian Empire.
After the October Revolution, the plant was nationalized and renamed State Aviation Factory No. 1 (GAZ No. 1).