From Ars Technica · · 1m 40s
Russia's long-delayed crewed spacecraft still waiting for liftoff
After nearly two decades of name changes and renderings, Russia's next-generation spacecraft faces parachute tests this fall with a crewed launch targeted for 2028 or 2029.
In brief
After nearly two decades of name changes and renderings, Russia's next-generation spacecraft faces parachute tests this fall with a crewed launch targeted for 2028 or 2029. Russia's Roscosmos plans parachute tests this fall for its long-delayed next-generation crewed spacecraft, with a crewed debut targeted for 2028…
Two decades of delays and name changes
Russia's state-backed space corporation Roscosmos has spent nearly twenty years developing a next-generation crewed spacecraft under various names: PPTS, PTK NP, Federatsiya, and Orel.
European partnership fell through
Two decades ago, Russia and the European Space Agency discussed collaboration on a crewed spacecraft, with Europe providing a service module. Europe ultimately decided not to pursue the project.
New leadership drops the Eagle name
Dmitry Bakanov, Roscosmos's relatively new chief executive, has dropped the Eagle name favored by his predecessor Dmitry Rogozin and reverted to calling the spacecraft PTK NP.
Parachute tests planned for fall
Bakanov told Interfax that parachute system tests will begin this fall in the Far East. The spacecraft will also undergo emergency rescue mode tests at the launch pad later this year.
“The first step is the launch and testing of a new, promising, reusable manned transport spacecraft. And in the fall, there will be a parachute drop and testing in the Far East.”
Crewed launch targeted for 2028 or 2029
Russian space officials are holding to a debut crewed launch in 2028 or 2029, likely on the Angara A5M rocket. The spacecraft is intended to replace Soyuz for crewed missions to low-Earth orbit and the Moon.
Previous timelines have not held
Four years ago, President Vladimir Putin spoke confidently about the Eagle spacecraft and Russia's lunar program resumption. Neither has happened, raising questions about whether 2028 or 2029 dates will slip again.
The main idea
Russia's Roscosmos plans parachute tests this fall for its long-delayed next-generation crewed spacecraft, with a crewed debut targeted for 2028 or 2029, though previous timelines have slipped.
