Scientific-Research Institute 3

Soviet institution

Also known as: NII-3, RNII, Rocket Propulsion Research Institute(Show More)

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Scientific-Research Institute 3 (NII-3) was a Soviet institution that played a crucial role in the development of Soviet rocketry. It evolved from earlier organizations like the Gas Dynamics Laboratory and GIRD (Group for the Study of Reactive Motion) in the early 1930s. Prominent figures like Valentin Glushko and Sergei Korolev were involved in its early work on rocket engines and liquid-fueled rockets. Although NII-3 did not initially focus directly on space technology, it became central to the Soviet rocket program. Sergei Korolev, a key figure, was later instrumental in the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles and the launch of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

space exploration
Soviet Union
…which five years later became Scientific-Research Institute 3 (NII-3). In its early years the organization did not work directly on space technology, but ultimately it played a central role in Soviet rocket development.
Read More
…which five years later became Scientific-Research Institute 3 (NII-3). In its early years the organization did not work directly on space technology, but ultimately it played a central role in Soviet rocket development.
Read More