MOSCOW. Dec 29 (Interfax) - Russia is getting ready to launch an unmanned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) by a carrier rocket with the state-of-the-art digital control system for the first time in 2019.
"The management of Roscosmos manned program, experts of RSC Energia and the leading industry institute TsNIIMash are discussing preparations for a trial launch of the Soyuz-MS manned spacecraft by a Soyuz-2.1.a carrier rocket with the digital control system in 2019," Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin said on Twitter.
It was reported earlier that an unmanned Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft is to be launched by a Soyuz 2.1a launch vehicle in September 2019.
Interaction between a new Soyuz-2 launch vehicle, which will replace the Soyuz-FG carrier rocket from 2020, with the emergency rescue system is to be tested during the launch of the unmanned Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft.
The unmanned Soyuz MS is not a new modification of the Soyuz manned spacecraft, the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation said in May.
"What distinguishes this version of the Soyuz MS from an ordinary serial spacecraft is its modernized movement and navigation control system, which boasts an advanced version of individual onboard systems. Our task is to test this system and check the spacecraft's integration with the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle," the corporation quoted its general designer, Yevgeny Mirkin, as saying.
However, a resupply ship able to return cargo to Earth will not appear before 2022.
"The Soyuz GVK [unmanned freighter with cargo return capability] will be equipped with more advanced onboard systems and a different nose cone (without an emergency rescue system). This freighter will be able to deliver two tonnes of cargo to orbit and return 500 kilograms to Earth. Additionally, the ship's detachable section will be able accommodate another tonne or so of cargo slated for disposal that will burn up in the dense layers of the atmosphere. This ship is expected to be launched using a heavy-payload launch vehicle - the Soyuz-2.1b. The creation of the Soyuz GVK spacecraft is expected to be completed in 2022," Energia said.