Russia’s Next-Gen Spacecraft: Flights Planned for 2028 | Roscosmos

MOSCOW, March 27 – Russia’s next-generation crewed transport spacecraft is slated to begin flight testing in 2028, according to a statement today from Roscosmos, the Russian state space corporation. The new vehicle is intended to succeed the long-serving Soyuz spacecraft, a mainstay of Russian and international space programs for decades.

Sergei Krikalev, deputy director general of Roscosmos, detailed plans for upcoming parachute tests utilizing a prototype of the new spacecraft. These tests will involve simulated onboard systems and helicopter drop trials to validate the vehicle’s landing capabilities, TASS reported.

The spacecraft is designed for both crew and cargo transport to orbital stations and is a key component of Russia’s evolving space strategy. According to Roscosmos, the new vehicle will be capable of remaining docked with low-Earth orbit stations for up to one year, and at a future lunar orbital station for as long as 180 days.

The spacecraft will also offer extended autonomous flight capabilities. The orbital version is designed for up to 30 days of independent operation, while the lunar variant is planned for missions lasting up to 10 days, Roscosmos officials stated.

Krikalev, a veteran cosmonaut with over 803 days spent in space across six missions, including time aboard the Mir space station and the International Space Station (ISS), currently oversees piloted programs at Roscosmos. He was the first Russian cosmonaut to fly on the Space Shuttle, aboard STS-60, and participated in the initial connection of Russian and American ISS segments during STS-88.

The development of the new spacecraft comes as Russia assesses the future of its participation in the ISS program. Roscosmos has previously indicated its intention to focus on independent space stations and lunar exploration, with the new crewed transport vehicle playing a central role in these ambitions.