# Kliper

> proposed partly reusable crewed spacecraft concept by RSC Energia

**Wikidata**: [Q257932](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q257932)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kliper)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kliper

## Summary
Kliper was a proposed partly reusable crewed spacecraft concept developed by RSC Energia in Russia. It was designed as a next-generation replacement for the Soyuz spacecraft, featuring a lifting-body design for improved reusability and landing capabilities.

## Key Facts
- Proposed by RSC Energia as a replacement for the Soyuz spacecraft
- Featured a lifting-body design for improved reusability
- Intended to carry up to six crew members
- Planned to be launched on a modified Soyuz-2 rocket
- Project was officially abandoned in 2006 due to lack of funding
- Would have been capable of both orbital and lunar missions
- Designed with a winged re-entry vehicle for runway landings
- Development began in the early 2000s as part of Russia's space program modernization

### Q: What was Kliper designed to replace?
A: Kliper was designed to replace the Soyuz spacecraft as Russia's primary crewed space vehicle, offering improved reusability and capabilities.

### Q: Why was the Kliper project abandoned?
A: The Kliper project was abandoned in 2006 due to lack of funding and the Russian government's decision to pursue alternative spacecraft development programs.

### Q: How many crew members could Kliper carry?
A: Kliper was designed to carry up to six crew members, compared to the three-person capacity of the Soyuz spacecraft.

## Why It Matters
Kliper represented a significant step forward in Russia's space program, aiming to modernize its crewed spaceflight capabilities with a reusable spacecraft design. The project demonstrated Russia's ambition to remain competitive in space exploration and maintain its position as a major spacefaring nation. Although ultimately abandoned, Kliper influenced subsequent spacecraft development and highlighted the challenges of funding and sustaining advanced space technology projects. The concept pushed the boundaries of reusable spacecraft design and contributed to the evolution of crewed space vehicle technology.

## Notable For
- Proposed as Russia's first reusable crewed spacecraft design
- Featured innovative lifting-body configuration for improved aerodynamics
- Designed for both orbital and lunar mission capabilities
- Planned to use runway landings instead of traditional parachute landings
- Represented a major modernization effort for Russia's space program

## Body
### Development Background
Kliper was developed by RSC Energia in the early 2000s as part of Russia's efforts to modernize its space program. The project emerged from the need to replace the aging Soyuz spacecraft, which had been in service since the 1960s.

### Design Features
The spacecraft featured a lifting-body design with a winged re-entry vehicle, allowing for runway landings similar to the Space Shuttle. This design aimed to improve reusability and reduce costs compared to traditional capsule designs. The spacecraft was planned to be approximately 10 meters long and have a launch mass of around 12.5 tons.

### Technical Specifications
Kliper was designed to carry up to six crew members and up to 500 kg of cargo. The spacecraft would have been launched using a modified Soyuz-2 rocket, with plans for both orbital and lunar mission capabilities. The design included a service module for propulsion and life support systems.

### Program Status
Despite initial enthusiasm and international interest, the Kliper project faced significant challenges. The Russian government ultimately decided not to fund the program, leading to its official cancellation in 2006. This decision redirected Russia's efforts toward other spacecraft development programs, including the later Federation spacecraft concept.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013