Soyuz L

The Soyuz-L, GRAU index 11A511L, was a Soviet expendable carrier rocket designed by OKB-1 and manufactured by State Aviation Plant No. 1 in Samara, Russia. It was created to test the LK lunar lander in low Earth orbit, as part of the Soviet lunar program. The Soyuz-L was a derivative of the original Soyuz rocket featuring the reinforced first stage and boosters supporting the Molniya-M's third stage so that it could carry a more massive payload. A larger payload fairing was also fitted, to accommodate the LK spacecraft.