Russia’s space industry is preparing for a major fleet upgrade. The first launch of the next-generation advanced crew transport spacecraft (PTK NP), previously known as “Federation” and “Orel,” is scheduled for 2028.

This was announced by Roscosmos Deputy Director General Sergey Krikalev. According to him, the new spacecraft has already successfully passed static and dynamic tests. The next important stage will be parachute testing: a mock-up of the spacecraft will be dropped from a helicopter to test its soft-landing systems.

It is important to note that the new spacecraft will not be a direct replacement for the familiar Soyuz vehicles. Its mission is far more ambitious. While current spacecraft mainly operate in low Earth orbit, PTK NP is designed for deep-space missions beyond Earth’s gravity.

As part of the testing program, dockings with the future Russian Orbital Station (ROS) are also planned. The launch of its first module is expected in the same year, 2028, making this period a turning point for human spaceflight.

The development of such a spacecraft aims to solve the challenge of transporting people and cargo to the Moon and other objects in the Solar System. The use of modern composite materials and new control systems will make flights safer and more autonomous, paving the way for long-duration missions.

ORIENT