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Khrunichev
Proposes New Cargo Spacecraft Designs
Khrunichev Space
Center has proposed new heavy cargo spacecraft concepts for flights
to the International Space Station. Khrunichev is proposing the
development of a new cargo spacecraft based on the Zarya ISS module
which would have more capacity than the Progress cargo spacecraft.
Refitting the Zarya derived spacecraft, by installing onboard
apparatus and equipment to carry cargo, would result in a new
vehicle capable of delivering five metric tons of freight to orbit.
Currently, Progress can carry a maximum cargo of 2.2 metric tons.
The Zarya-based freighter could be converted to a freighter fairly
quickly, using a copy of Zarya which the company has on hand, with
the first vehicle being available for launch this year. After
delivery, it could be used as a storage module for the Russian
portion of the space station. A final decision on whether to proceed
with the new design will be made soon by Rosaviakosmos.
The Khrunichev
Space Center has also proposed a new design which would be modular
in construction and carry up to 10 metric tons of cargo. The modular
structure could be configured in various ways for dry and liquid
loads, in any mass or size.
Production
capacity at Energiya, which makes the Progress, is already at its
maximum rate. Russia has committed to 15 launches of the Progress
cargo spacecraft during the next two years, with two manned Soyuz TM
spacecraft and six Progress M cargo spacecraft scheduled for launch
to the International Space Station this year.
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