New Russian Spacecraft On Show In France In June

spacedaily.com ^ | 02/09/05

[KevinDavis]

A new Russian six-crew reusable space capsule that will eventually replace the venerable Soyuz spacecraft is to go on display at the French international aerospace show at Le Bourget in June, Russia's space agency said Wednesday.

[KevinDavis]

[Brett66]

I don't understand the game the Russians are playing. This seems to be a Russian CEV, why do they want to compete with us? I don't think we'll ever use it as part of the new initiative, how are they going to pay for the development of this?
I don't see any use for this vehicle, they state it could go to the moon. Are they planning on human trips to the moon with China perhaps?
I'm not so sure we want these guys as partners on this endeavor.

[listenhillary]

Pay for it?

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/opecrev.html\

Russian oil export revenues, for instance, surged sharply after reaching a low point in 1998. This was the result of increases both in oil prices as well as production. Russian net oil export revenues surged by 52% in 2004 over 2003, to $90 billion (in constant $2004). Russia's oil export revenues for 2005, at $89 billion (in constant $2004), are projected to be more than five times greater than their low point in 1998.

[KevinDavis]

I prefer a US go it alone or somehow get the Brits or the Japanese involved.. I trust them more the Russians.

[Doohickey]

As of right now, nobody else has a reusable spacecraft in service. There aren't enough shuttles left to keep up with demand whenever they start flying again.

[af_vet_rr]

As of right now, nobody else has a reusable spacecraft in service

Actually we did last year, however it's on its way to the Smithsonian. Don't worry though, Rutan probably has some really good stuff coming down the pipeline, and it'll be cheaper and safer than anything the government gets involved with.