Reveal the new generation spacecraft of Russia

Russian space agency Roscosmos has decided to choose a research partner to build a new generation of passenger spacecraft, capable of bringing six astronauts to orbit and a possible version to the moon.

Model of new generation spacecraft of Russia.Photo: Russianspaceweb.

The company assigned to research and manufacture is RSC Energia. Russia's new spacecraft will replace the three-seat Soyuz vessel, which has consistently brought former Soviet and Russian astronauts into orbit for more than four decades. RSC Energia was also the factory that made the first versions of the Soyuz in the late 1960s.

The new generation vessel is currently known only as the Russian short-name PPTS, which is expected to fly before 2020. The earth's orbit version will have a total weight of about 12 tons, 6 astronauts with 500 kg of goods. While the version to conquer the moon will weigh 16.5 tons, there are 4 seats and can carry away and bring about 100 kg of goods.

In addition, according to the design plan, there is an unmanned space cargo ship that can carry 2,000 kg of cargo to orbit and return to earth with 500 kg of cargo. Russia's new spacecraft effort is almost parallel to the development of the next American spacecraft called Orion, shaped like a flying saucer.

The pre-feasibility study in Russia's new spacecraft production program will last until June 2010 with an investment of 800 million Rouble ($ 23 million).

In recent years, Russia and Europe have sought the possibility of developing spacecraft, but the two sides have not reached an agreement on job assignment. Europe will therefore pursue itself to upgrade the spacecraft carrying ATVs into manned ships, but still use some Russian technology.