Bakanov, in comments translated for Ars by Rob Mitchell, told the publication that tests of the spacecraft’s parachute system will begin this fall. “The first step is the launch and testing of a new, promising, reusable manned transport spacecraft,” he said. “And in the fall, there will be a parachute drop and testing in the Far East.”

According to the publication, the spacecraft will also “undergo tests in emergency rescue modes during an emergency at the launch pad” later this year, and in 2027, tests will occur “in the zone of maximum dynamic pressures.” It’s not clear whether these tests involve real flight hardware, boilerplate vehicles, or mockups. However, the reference to Max-Q suggests a launch abort test, a significant step toward spaceflight.

The article says Russian space officials currently hold to a debut crewed launch in 2028 or 2029, likely on the Angara A5M rocket. Four years ago, Vladimir Putin spoke confidently about the “Eagle” spacecraft and Russia’s lunar program, which have not happened. Russia’s next-generation crewed spacecraft is intended to supplant the Soyuz for low-Earth orbit and fly humans to the Moon.