The flight of the prospective transport spacecraft (PTK) "Orel" is scheduled for 2028-2029, said the general designer of RSC "Energia", Vladimir Solovyov.
He said this while congratulating the head of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Oleg Orlov, on his anniversary, presenting him with a model of the ship.
According to Solovyov, the Russian cosmonauts selected by the institute will make the first flight on the PTK "Orel". The designer reminded that the spacecraft is designed for a flight to the Moon.
In addition, as part of the domestic space program, cosmonauts will fly to Mars. However, Solovyov did not specify the timing.
PTK "Orel" is being developed by specialists from RSC "Energia". The manned capsule of the spacecraft is being tested for strength. In particular, it was equipped with equipment for dynamic testing and emergency response.
The ship will be able to accommodate six cosmonauts. The PTK is capable of carrying up to 500 kg of payload. "Orel" is being designed with future modernization in mind.
Earlier, Roscosmos reported that the Russian authorities will continue funding the lunar program, despite the emergency with "Luna-25".
