Announcement of new manned spacecraft design

The first official photo of a manned Russian-European co-operative ship has just been announced. It was born to replace the Soyuz rocket, which is still used by Russia.

Russian company RKK Energia has spent two years designing this new manned vessel.(Photo: BBC)

The project will also allow Europe to participate directly in the transportation of astronauts.

The design of the new, reusable vessel allows 4 people to be put on the moon, or 6 people if only fly on low earth orbit.

Unlike previous manned ships, it will use propulsion to land gently when returning to earth (the US shuttle currently uses parachutes to land like aircraft).