Russia’s next-generation crewed spacecraft, previously known as Orel, has entered a new phase of development, with engineers beginning autonomous integrated testing ahead of its planned flight trials. Mark Serov, a cosmonaut-test engineer, announced on November 5, 2026, that the program has reached an important milestone after nearly two decades of development. The spacecraft is currently en route to a series of ground tests, which will include high-speed aerodynamic evaluations, emergency escape testing, and parachute recovery trials in Russia’s Far East. The first uncrewed launch is anticipated for 2028, but there is a possibility of additional delays as developers finalize the development of critical onboard systems.
From Orel to PTK NP: Russia’s Next-Generation Spacecraft
RSC Energia is currently in the process of developing the Prospective Piloted Transport Spacecraft of the New Generation (PTK NP), which is intended to serve as Russia’s successor to the Soyuz family of crewed spacecraft. The project was initially presented under the name Federatsiya before being renamed Orel. Nevertheless, Roscosmos has been using the technical designation PTK NP more frequently in recent communications.
Mark Serov’s November 5 announcement provides an indication of the programme’s current progress. He is responsible for the design of crew working environments, human-machine interfaces, and the development of operational procedures for astronauts, in addition to spacecraft ergonomics.
Serov asserts that the majority of the tasks related to crew ergonomics have been finalized. Now, the spacecraft is on the brink of the flight testing phase.
This work is important because the new spacecraft is intended for missions beyond low Earth orbit. PTK NP is being developed for missions that involve higher-energy trajectories, such as lunar exploration and potentially missions to asteroids, in contrast to Soyuz, which is predominantly used for transportation to and from orbital stations.
Consequently, the spacecraft must accommodate a wider range of crew requirements, longer autonomous operations, and more rigorous flight conditions. In order to guarantee that astronauts can operate the vehicle in both routine and emergency situations, it is necessary to evaluate its control systems, displays, and working environment.
Parachute Testing to Begin in the Russian Far East
One of the programme’s immediate priorities is testing the spacecraft’s landing and recovery systems.
Roscosmos intended to conduct a parachute-drop test in the Far East of Russia during autumn 2026, which would involve a full-scale spacecraft mock-up. The purpose of the test is to evaluate the spacecraft’s capacity to execute a controlled landing and the parachute system.
Dmitry Bakanov, the CEO of Roscosmos, identified the exercise as a critical practical step in the preparation of the spacecraft for flight testing. Vladimir Solovyov, the general designer of RSC Energia, also confirmed that the test included the mock-up being dropped from a helicopter.
The parachute system is a major engineering challenge. PTK NP is considerably larger and heavier than the Soyuz descent module, requiring a different recovery configuration.
One of the principal differences is that the parachutes are intended to be deployed at a significantly lower altitude than the system used on Soyuz spacecraft. This underscores the significance of the parachute deployment sequence’s design and reliability.
The recovery system is responsible for ensuring that the spacecraft reaches the ground at a safe velocity and that it can adapt to changes in landing conditions. Additionally, the system must operate consistently under the rigorous conditions of atmospheric re-entry.
Before the program transitions to more sophisticated flight-related trials, successful parachute testing would yield valuable insights into the spacecraft’s landing configuration.
High-Speed Testing and Emergency Escape
Parachute recovery is just one component of the ground-testing program. Developers must demonstrate that the spacecraft can safeguard its crew in the event of launch emergencies.
The emergency rescue system is scheduled for testing before the end of 2026. These trials will evaluate the spacecraft’s capacity to disengage from its launch vehicle and exit a dangerous situation that involves the launch site or launch complex.
During the initial phases of launch, astronauts may have limited time to respond to an accident, which is why such systems are crucial for crewed spacecraft.
The PTK NP program also includes tests scheduled for 2027 in conditions involving maximum aerodynamic pressure, which is commonly referred to as Max-Q. This is the moment during atmospheric ascent when the launch vehicle experiences its maximum level of aerodynamic loading.
The spacecraft’s structural configuration and interfaces must be capable of withstanding the stresses associated with the launch environment, despite the fact that the launch vehicle will provide protection for the spacecraft during ascent.
Engineers will be able to confirm the structural integrity of the spacecraft and the functionality of its critical systems in challenging environments as a result of these tests.
A critical component of the qualification process is the combination of the parachute, emergency escape, and aerodynamic tests. These findings will ascertain whether the spacecraft is prepared to advance toward its initial orbital mission.
Spacecraft Engineered for Lunar Missions
PTK NP is being developed with capabilities that are significantly distinct from those of the current Soyuz spacecraft.
Its returning capsule is designed to accommodate up to ten uses during short-duration missions and three uses during longer expeditions. The spacecraft is intended to house a crew of four to six individuals, contingent upon the mission configuration.
It is anticipated that its autonomous flight endurance will exceed 30 days. The spacecraft is intended to remain docked for a maximum of one year when functioning as a component of an orbital station.
These capabilities are indicative of its intended function in Russia’s future human spaceflight program. It is expected that the spacecraft will serve as a means of transportation for missions that extend beyond the immediate operational environment of the International Space Station and assist Russia in its long-term goals of lunar exploration.
The extended operational endurance and increased crew capacity are particularly critical for missions that involve lunar trajectories. These missions necessitate an increase in onboard resources, a greater degree of autonomy, and additional provisions for crew safety.
The re-entry and recovery systems of the spacecraft must also be capable of managing the higher-energy return trajectories associated with missions that extend beyond low Earth orbit.
The new spacecraft will be launched by Angara-A5M
The Angara-A5M rocket, which has been modernized, has been chosen as the launch vehicle for PTK NP. Launches are anticipated to originate from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East of Russia.
Russia’s future independent crewed spaceflight architecture is fundamentally dependent on the integration of Angara-A5M and PTK NP. It is designed to offer the launch capability necessary for missions that exceed the capabilities of the current Soyuz launch system.
The first uncrewed launch is presently scheduled for 2028. The spacecraft’s integrated systems, launch vehicle compatibility, orbital operations, and return procedures will be subjected to a significant test during this mission.
Nevertheless, the schedule is still susceptible to development risk. In spring 2026, industry reports indicated that the initial launch could be postponed until 2029 due to the need for additional work to replace imported components and systems.
The precise launch date will be contingent upon the completion of testing, certification, and integration activities, although 2028 has been the publicly stated target.
A successful uncrewed mission would serve as the foundation for subsequent crewed flights, albeit those missions would necessitate additional safety assessments and qualification.
A Critical Phase for the Human Spaceflight Program of Russia
The transition to integrated testing is a significant milestone, as PTK NP has been in development for nearly two decades. Nevertheless, the program continues to face rigorous engineering and certification requirements. Before the spacecraft can transport astronauts, it is necessary to demonstrate the parachute recovery system, emergency escape capability, aerodynamic performance, and integration with Angara-A5M.
The commencement of autonomous integrated testing is a significant milestone; however, the ultimate test will be whether Russia can successfully complete the remaining ground trials and conduct the first orbital launch on schedule in 2028.