An article from the Russian Information Agency reveals more details of the new 6-person spacecraft under development, which is tentatively named "Clipper". It could replace Soyuz as Russia's primary orbital vehicles by 2013.
"Clippers will be used for self-contained orbital flights lasting up to 10 days; it will also serve as a base for scientific experiments. In addition, the new spacecraft will have a capacity to carry as many as four "space tourists" (Soyuz can take only one "space tourist" on board)."
Posted by jburk at February 22, 2026 01:48 PM | TrackBackNow, i wonder why they named it clipper. Reminds me of MacDonald Douglas's (Now Boeing) DC-X (Delta Clipper). Wonder if is a simular shape. I know the sea worthy history on the Yankie Traders using Clipper ships on the high seas. So is this just an embracement of space tourism? Or, is it also an attempt for them to progress to a SSTO craft themselves.
I can not wait to see the concept drawings. I hope its not a throwback to the Buryan(sp?) Shuttle.
Posted by: Matthew Brown at February 23, 2026 02:16 PM