Klipper to create space flights market – official.

11.11.2005, 20.10

MOSCOW, November 11 (Itar-Tass) -- A new market of space flights will come into existence with the release of Russia's Klipper reusable spaceship, Energia Aerospace Corporation General Designer Nikolai Sevastyanov said on Friday.

"We need the Klipper for operating the International Space Station (ISS). It costs much to deliver cargo and people by space shuttles, and only people can be delivered by Soyuz spaceships. The Klipper will create a space flight market. Three categories of people –
cosmonauts of third countries, scientists and tourists – may use the new opportunities," he said.

"Several hundreds of people are interested in space tourism. But it is hard to make such projects at present. Preparations for a flight onboard Soyuz takes 1.5 years, and health requirements are tight. The Klipper will do away with such problems," Sevastyanov said.

He said the new spaceship is being designed, and partners are being chosen.

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