Kliper

Kliper is a Russian spaceplane project developed by the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation. The project aims to create a reusable spacecraft capable of transporting both crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. The design of Kliper is based on the Buran spaceplane, which was developed in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. However, unlike Buran, Kliper is intended to be fully operational and reusable, with a planned service life of at least 100 flights.

The Kliper spacecraft is designed to be launched atop an Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket, which is also under development by Energia. The spacecraft itself consists of a reusable orbiter, a disposable service module, and a disposable return module. The orbiter is designed to carry up to seven crew members or a combination of crew and cargo, and is equipped with a heat shield to protect it during re-entry. The service module provides power, propulsion, and other support systems for the orbiter during its mission. The return module is used to safely return the crew to Earth after the mission is complete.

The Kliper project has faced several challenges and delays, including technical issues, funding constraints, and political factors. However, the Russian government has expressed continued support for the project, and Energia has made progress in developing the necessary technologies and infrastructure. The first uncrewed test flight of Kliper is planned for 2025, with crewed flights following in subsequent years. The ultimate goal of the Kliper project is to provide a reliable and cost-effective means of transporting crew and cargo to and from low Earth orbit, supporting Russia's long-term goals in space exploration and utilization.