A new generation spacecraft is being developed by Russian scientists to perform similar functions of and replace an aging space probe.
The manned space transport has not yet been given a name, but has already been displayed to the public for the first time Monday.
The Russian Space Agency presented photos of this spacecraft at Moscow's MAKS-2015. Along with this new Russian development displayed at the 12th International Aviation and Space Station at Hall D1 were the Roskosmos and ACCD built by leading Russian enterprises and 19 other space industry exhibits.
This "new generation new transportation spacecraft" is being developed by RSC Energia which has been involved in the rocket-space industry since 1946. The manned spacecraft is designed to replace Soyuz-TMA which was issued by the Russian Federal Space Agency and features changes according the NASA's requirements as well as service the International Space Station (ISS). Some of the features of the aging spacecraft include more latitude in the crew's height and weight, better parachute systems and a glass cockpit.
The new spacecraft which has been under development for about a decade now will send astronauts to further explore the moon and Mars. The development is a part of the Prospective Protected Transport System 9PPTS) aimed at replacing not only the Soyuz-TMA but also the Progress Cargo ships. The long-awaited testing of the capsules will take place over the next few months. In 2021, this new spacecraft will be test launched in an unmanned orbital flight atop the new Angara rocket from the new Russian spaceport Vostochny Cosmodrome, also currently being constructed.
While space enthusiasts await the new Russian spacecraft's first unmanned test flight, its developer RSC Energia announced the launching of a competition for a name.
The creativity competition will run from Aug. 30 through Nov. 2 this year, with results to be announced Jan. 15 next year.
Deliberations of a judging panel and votes of the public will decide on the best suggested name and the winner of the competition. If naming this new spacecraft isn't a prestige enough, the winner will also have the chance to watch the Soyuz spacecraft take off in the launch of a manned spaceflight in Baikonur spring of 2016.
