Kliper

Kliper (??????, also referred to as Clipper) is a spacecraft proposed in 2004 by Russian rocket and space company RKK Energia. Designed primarily to replace the Soyuz spacecraft, it is a partly reusable spaceplane that glides into the atmosphere at an angle that produces much less acceleration on the human occupants than the current Soyuz. Kliper is currently proposed in two versions: as a lifting body design and as a spaceplane with small wings. The craft can carry up to six people and can be used for ferry services between earth and the International Space Station. It has also (as of September 28th, 2005) been declared that it will be used on trans-lunar missions (though with no plans for landings) and may at least theoretically be used on Mars exploration. The primary focus for its development was to reduce costs for manned space flights by using the reusable spaceship approach and to replace the ageing Soyuz capsule design.

Related Topics:
Spacecraft - RKK Energia - Soyuz spacecraft - Spaceplane - Wing - International Space Station - Mars - Manned space flight - Reusable spaceship approach

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