Most memorable Star Trek Moments...

"Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls
I have encountered in my travels. . .
His was the most. . . Human."


Admiral James T. Kirk on Spocks funeral

First Glimpse of Russian-European Lunar Craft

While the Americans are still struggling to receive proper funding to phase out the aging shuttle fleet by 2010, and replace it by an Apollo-style capsule (Project Orion)Europe and Russia are joining forces to get their own next generation spacecraft aloft.

Back in December 2005, Russia proposed a joint development effort for an advanced reusable spacecraft called "Kliper" to the European governments. However, this was rejected by the Europeans due to budget concerns. In 2006, Russia stepped foreward once again with yet a new proposal - to upgrade the old but reliable Sojuz spacecraft.

The current concept, called ACTS (Advanced Crew Transportation System), delineates a vehicle quite similar to the venerable Sojuz craft. It consists of three parts: a Habiation Module, a Reentry Capsule and an Instrument Module. Habiation Module and Instrument Module will be provided by ESA, whereas the Reentry Module will be delivered by Russia. With the U.S. based Orion project going on, the European-Russian moon initiative looming and the current Chinese space activities taking place, everything points to a new moon race. Oh man, how I would like to see HDTV transmissions from the surface of the moon showing astronauts constructing the first permanent human settlement in outer space.

(image credits: Anatoly Zak)

See www.russianspaceweb.com for further information about Kliper and ACTS.

Well, it seems i am...

I am: Isaac Asimov One of the most prolific writers in history, on any imaginable subject.  Cared little for art but created lasting and memorable tales.

Which science fiction writer are you?