Konstantin Konstantinov, leading rocket specialist in the Russian Empire

Many believe that rocket engineering in our country began only in the Soviet era. However, the first recorded use of rockets was during the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829. At that time, rockets helped inflict significant damage on the enemy near Braila and Varna. These rockets were developed by engineer Alexander Zasyadko, and his work was continued by Lieutenant General Konstantin Konstantinov.

At that time, rocket production was quite primitive. Gunpowder was often packed by hand, which could lead to significant compression, heating, and explosions. Konstantinov became the first in the world to invent an automatic press with adjustable pressure. In addition, he developed new types of gunpowder that increased the range of rockets. A few years later, Konstantin Ivanovich also created a rocket machine that was light enough to allow artillerymen to quickly move it across the battlefield. Thanks to the active efforts of the general, rocket production became standardized. Konstantinov's rocket systems gained wide distribution in Europe, and Russia exported them to Spain.

The Russian army actively used the new weaponry. For example, during the conquest of Central Asia, one contemporary noted: "with their fiery tail, noise, and the explosion of the shell upon impact, they made a very strong impression on the Turkestan cavalry." Konstantinov also proposed equipping small ships with rocket launchers so that sailors could cover landing troops. Future wars confirmed the correctness of his ideas.

It is important to note that Konstantinov was not only involved in the development of combat weapons. He also worked on rockets for rescue operations, creating a device for transferring ropes to sinking ships. Although these developments did not gain widespread use, thanks to the efforts of Konstantin Konstantinov, our country became one of the first in the field of rocket engineering.