'Russia Test-Launches Mini-Spacecraft'

article by JUDITH INGRAM here.

 

MOSCOW - Russia on Friday test-launched a collapsible mini-spacecraft, which is designed to carry cargo and even passengers from the international space station to Earth, a Russian space design bureau said.

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The spacecraft is to be folded up and transported to the space station on a Russian Progress cargo ship, and will be used to bring payloads back to Earth, ITAR-Tass reported.

Its collapsible, cone-shaped body is made of light material that can withstand high temperatures and it can fly on a predictable trajectory without engines — making it a cheap alternative to the Soyuz spacecraft currently in use.