Almaz
The original Almaz spacecraft was designed to carry a crew of three or over 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of cargo or scientific experiments. Currently, these original Almaz spacecraft are the only flight-tested private spacecraft designed to be re-used for multiple flights to and from space. Reusability will greatly reduce logistical, overhead and program costs.
Reusable re-entry vehicles:
- Have features similar to the US Apollo and Russian Soyuz spacecraft
- Have undergone nine unmanned test flights in their original design
- Are designed for a crew of three, plus cargo
- Can be configured to carry cargo alone
- Are fitted with a tested Launch Escape System (LES)
- Have both automatic and manual flight modes
- Use three parachutes for redundancy
- Use soft landing rockets to cushion touchdown
- Capable of ground or water landing
- Feature three hatches for ease of access
- Have reusable heat shields