Russia Plans Parachute Tests for New Human Transport Spacecraft

In comments translated to Ars by Rob Mitchell, Russian official Bakanov mentioned that testing of the spacecraft’s parachute system will begin this fall.

“The first step is the launch and testing of a new and promising reusable human transport spacecraft,” he said. “And in the fall there will be parachute drops and tests in the Far East.”

The spacecraft will also undergo tests for emergency rescue mode and in a “maximum dynamic pressure zone” in 2027.

Hopeful Release Date for Crewed Launch

It is unclear whether the tests will involve actual flight hardware, boilerplate vehicles, or mockups. However, the mention of a “maximum dynamic pressure zone” hints at a potential launch abort test. This would be essential for spaceflight readiness.

Russian space authorities are aiming for the first crewed launch of the spacecraft, possibly by an Angara A5M rocket, in 2028 or 2029. The timeline, however, remains uncertain given past setbacks in Russia’s space ambitions.

Regardless of delays and uncertainties, Russia’s next-generation manned spacecraft aims to replace the Soyuz and enable missions to low-Earth orbit and beyond, including moon exploration.