So what's happening with Russia's new, long-delayed crewed spacecraft?
Summary
Russia has been working on a new crewed spacecraft for nearly 20 years, with many changes in its name and plans. Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, plans to start testing parts of the spacecraft this year and hopes to launch a crewed mission by 2028 or 2029.Key Facts
- Russia and the European Space Agency started talks about a new crewed spacecraft around 20 years ago, but Europe later dropped out.
- Roscosmos has changed the spacecraft’s name several times, most recently back to PTK NP.
- New tests, including parachute system trials, are scheduled for the fall of 2024 in Russia’s Far East.
- Later this year, tests of emergency rescue procedures at the launch pad are planned.
- A launch abort test during high dynamic pressure (Max-Q) conditions is expected in 2027.
- Roscosmos aims for the new spacecraft to replace the Soyuz for missions to low-Earth orbit and to support lunar flights.
- A crewed launch is tentatively planned for 2028 or 2029 using the Angara A5M rocket.
- Past plans for this spacecraft and Russia’s lunar program announced by President Putin have not yet materialized.
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