Kliper
Kliper (Russian Клипер depending on the translation referred to as Clipper or Clipper ) was a concept of Russian space agency Roskosmos for a partially reusable spacecraft in supporting hull construction for low orbital orbits (English LEO, Low Earth Orbit ).
Development
Preliminary work began already in 2000 by RKK Energia, and the concept was first introduced on 17 February 2004 at a press conference in Moscow to the public. The maiden flight was scheduled for no earlier than 2013 and should then replace the proven Soyuz. The European Space Agency (ESA) was interested in the project, but waved in the summer of 2006 to the joint project Crew Space Transportation System has to offer. RKK Energia developed Kliper independently since then continued and planned to complete the project in late 2007 in its economic structure. Following the acquisition of RKK Energia by Roskosmos, the project was finally stopped in July 2007.
Construction
In contrast to the concept of the space shuttle Kliper is mounted on a normal launcher, so no separate power unit is needed. This Kliper is more like the Buran space shuttle, which, however, weighs about six times as much and also has a cargo space to launch satellites. This possibility is saved by Kliper, so you can use a normal satellite carrier, not on its own heavy launcher needs only for the space shuttle.
Kliper consists of a return module, which should be at least 25 times reusable, sleeps six (two pilots) and offers up to 700 kg of cargo can bring back to Earth into space and 500 kg of material from space. Docked is a non-reusable service module, which provides, inter alia, oxygen, water, fuel and avionics as in Soyuz. The heat shields are also Klipers not be reusable. The entire spacecraft had a launch mass of about 14.5 tonnes, of which 9.8 t for the return and 4.7 t for the service module; the landing mass would be 9.5-10 t. The landing itself is carried out automatically in a controllable glider. There are two versions to be examined by Kliper: A float ( Lifting Body) and a body equipped with wings concept.
Carrier vehicle
The launcher rocket was initially proposed by RKK Energiya a planned development of the Soyuz rocket named Onega. However, since the Russian space agency did not want to raise the development costs of the Onega, came a Angara A3 or a variant based on the zenith this week. Of all the proposals made the Zenith is the only carrier who has already completed several flights. Since zenith is produced in Ukraine, Angara would indeed be the more advantageous for Russia launcher, but it is never flown ( first launch was scheduled for 2006/2007, recent figures speak of 2010/2011 which, however, for financial reasons, continue on 2012 and 2013 shifted was ). So far, little of the final decision on the launch vehicle for Kliper.
Tasks and prospects
The main task of Kliper would have been the transportation of astronauts and space tourists into low earth orbit or to the International Space Station as well as its use as a Crew Rescue Vehicle for the ISS. It could theoretically be developed similar to the U.S. spaceship Orion based on Kliper also a suitable for Moon or Mars spaceflight spaceship.
Despite the very low rate financing costs and thus the development was not secured; yet there were signs of progress in the project. The end of 2004 Kliper was the subject of a report in both the Russian TV channel " Pervij channel " as well at NBC. A 1:1 mockup of the spacecraft was presented by RKK Energia in the meantime.
Russia has also invited other countries to jointly develop Kliper. In July 2005 there was the first concrete discussions with the European Space Agency to work together on the project. The necessary funding for Kliper were granted under the meeting of the European Space Council in December 2005. Thus, the ESA could not contribute as planned 51 million euros to develop. The agency still wanted to continue to participate in the project.
After the failure of the planned development involving ESA in December 2005 RKK Energia, the project followed by the summer of 2006. In July 2007, but it was finally closed by Roscosmos.