Russia's new "Starship" is ready for launch — but it's not telling you!
It will carry out various missions, including venturing beyond Earth's orbit.
Article published on May 2 by RT.
At the Vostochny Cosmodrome, the service and preparation platform for mounting the next-generation crewed spacecraft "Orion" onto the Angara rocket has been installed.
The Angara-A5 itself has already undergone testing, successfully delivering payloads into orbit from both Plesetsk and Vostochny Cosmodromes.
The "Orion" spacecraft is also undergoing tests: it has been dropped from a heavy-lift helicopter to verify its landing system.
The new spacecraft has faced a turbulent journey — it has changed names three times, and its first launch date has been delayed by a full decade.
Compared to the traditional Soyuz spacecraft, the new "Orion" doubles the crew capacity (up to six astronauts) and can autonomously fly for up to 30 days without docking with a space station.
The development of the "Orion" spacecraft is not intended to replace the current Soyuz fleet in active service.
It will undertake different missions, including flying beyond Earth’s orbit.
Initial astronauts for the "Orion" spacecraft will be trained aboard training simulators.
What missions will the "Orion" undertake?
The "Orion" will travel toward Russia's planned orbital station.
Beyond-Earth-orbit space exploration, including missions to the Moon, will also be carried out — involving various tasks, among them flights beyond Earth’s orbit.
It remains unclear how lunar plans will evolve. However, if Krikalev mentioned that the "Orion" would be used for missions beyond Earth orbit, it suggests Roscosmos indeed has such plans.
Perhaps they are already discussing lunar landings — as is their custom: no announcements to the world until concrete decisions are made.
Russia's crew transport vehicles have traditionally been designed for both land and water landings.
Contingency plans were considered for all scenarios. As far as we know, "Orion" crew members can await rescue for up to 48 hours.
It is well known that Russia's space program endured prolonged crises, surviving largely on the momentum of past achievements.
Now, with the first launch of Angara-A5, the assembly of high-tech launch pads at Vostochny Cosmodrome, and accelerated progress on the "Orion" project — does this signal that stagnation is finally over?
Certainly, everyone hopes to see new results soon, and all will strive to meet the ambitious goals set before them.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864027315311626/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.