Samara scientists are planning to build a surface exploration lander of a entirely new type. A cargo ?space lift? is under development in the Samara State Aerospace Institute.
The design provides for a lander fixed to a orbiter by means of a special 30 km-long cable. The cable should weigh under 6 kilos. Researchers believe that the cable will hold a capsule in the upper atmosphere. It will be destroyed in the lower atmosphere as the lander goes down to complete landing by using a parachute. The project is commissioned by the European Space Agency.
In the meantime, scientists at the Russian Rocket and Space Corporation ? Energia? continue their work on a manned space flight project to Mars. ?We?re busy now designing a Martian mission complex with huge power supply unit. Its estimated weight should be 600 t,? said Nikolai Zelenschikov, Corporation?s First Deputy Director General.
Zelenschikov reminded of domestic projects pertinent to that field of space exploration. According to him, ?Energia? specialists have been continuously working in the area since 1960. ?A few projects for the exploration of Mars have been designed to date, the first one in 1960, the next one completed in 1969 and the 1988 project envisaged the use of a powerful booster ?Energia?. But those projects never took off the ground.
?I can expect some technical difficulties due to a manned space mission to Mars. Even more difficulties will arise from funding of the project,? Zelenschikov was quoted as saying by Lenta.Ru.
ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ
МАТЕРИАЛОВ САЙТА ССЫЛКА НА САЙТ
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