Parom
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2010) |
The Parom (ferry in
Progress spacecraft have flown re-supply missions since 1978. Nikolai Bryukhanov, RKK Energia's deputy general designer, said in May 2005 that the Federal Space Agency had received a design for a new space system. According to him, the system's operation principle is completely different from that used by Progress. A launch vehicle first places a Parom reusable inter-orbit "tug" into a 200 km orbit. As this spacecraft will not carry any consignments, other rockets will orbit payload containers that will be docked by Parom. The tug will then deliver them to the ISS
or another orbiter.
"Any Russian or foreign launch vehicle can orbit such containers," Bryukhanov said. The size of the container and its shape depend on payload characteristics. "This can be an airtight instrument module or a fuel tanker," the deputy general designer continued. "Moreover, depressurized platform featuring large scientific equipment and auxiliary systems, i.e., solar batteries that cannot be stored inside the airtight module".[citation needed]
In layout, the Parom will be built around a pressurized transfer passage with docking ports at each end: each of these two docking ports can be used to dock with the cargo container, the
Proton rockets
.
See also
- Kliper Proposed spacecraft to use the Parom
External links
- Russian Space Web
- Flight International Article, Lighter Kliper could make toward trip to ISS
- MSN Article on Kliper
| Active |  | |
|---|---|---|
| In development | ||
| Retired | ||
| Proposed | ||
| Cancelled | ||