TOMSK, May 22 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s new reusable spacecraft that is being developed by the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation will be able to make up to five space flights, the rocket maker said on Wednesday.
The spacecraft’s technical design has been finalized but is yet to be officially approved, Energia deputy general designer Alexander Chernyavsky said on the sidelines of the Innovus forum.
The new reusable craft is to replace the Soyuz carrier rocket and is expected to ensure a breakthrough in the development of Russia’s space industry.
The spacecraft will have several modifications: For flights to near-Earth and Moon orbits, for maintenance and repair of other spacecraft, and for gathering of space debris.
The first craft prototype is to be rolled out in August 2013 while flight tests are due to begin in 2017.
