Russia sets tests for long-delayed crewed spacecraft
Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov says parachute and emergency rescue tests are planned, as officials target a first crewed flight in 2028 or 2029.
Russia plans to begin testing the parachute system for its PTK NP crewed spacecraft in the Far East this autumn, according to Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov. The programme also includes emergency rescue tests later this year and further testing in 2027.
The spacecraft, previously known as Eagle, has been in development for nearly 20 years. Roscosmos intends it to replace Soyuz for carrying cosmonauts to low Earth orbit, with the potential to support crewed lunar missions.
Russian space officials are targeting a first crewed launch in 2028 or 2029, likely aboard an Angara A5M rocket. The date remains an official aim rather than a confirmed schedule.
It is unclear whether the planned tests will use flight hardware, boilerplate vehicles or mockups. The available report does not establish when, or whether, the spacecraft will be completed.
