In June the European Space Agency (ESA) will deliberate on a Russian offer to develop a new crew transportation vehicle for International Space Station (ISS) crew transfer and other exploration missions. The Russian Federal Space Agency (RSA) has decided to develop a replacement for its Soyuz manned capsule. The only proposed vehicle is Russian space company Energia's reusable six-man lifting body-like Kliper.
The RSA formally invited ESA to join the new vehicle development last year and the agencies have held talks. ESA has also conducted its own studies into the capabilities of various capsule and lifting body designs, including the Kliper.
"Kliper is good, but more studies are needed on its stability. A blunt biconic capsule is also a good solution because it has a large internal volume," says Marco Caporicci, head of manned spaceflight within ESA's microgravity, manned spaceflight and exploration directorate. Caporicci says US intentions regarding NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle and ISS crew transfer would have a bearing on ESA's decision.
ROB COPPINGER/NAPLES
Source: Flight International
