VOLGOGRAD, November 5. /TASS/. The developers of Russia’s next-generation advanced transport spacecraft (New Generation Advanced Transport Ship, PTK NP) have advanced to the stage of autonomous comprehensive testing - the spacecraft is currently moving into the preparation phase for flight tests, test cosmonaut Mark Serov told TASS.

"We [the developers] have now reached the stage of autonomous comprehensive testing. The spacecraft is already being assembled: its mockups and experimental systems. Personally, my colleagues and I are working on ergonomic issues--that is, designing crew operations, developing human-machine interaction algorithms, and planning workplace layouts. And we’ve already completed this work. So now the spacecraft itself is entering the phase of preparation for flight tests. This is a significant stage," Serov said.

He noted that work is proceeding systematically, but until specific milestones are reached, the developers do not plan to publicize the results of their work or its stages. The spacecraft’s mission will be an expeditionary one, Serov added.

"This is an expeditionary spacecraft. It is designed for flights at earth boost velocity. It was developed as part of preparations for the lunar program, a flyby of the Moon, a flight to asteroids, and similar missions," Serov noted.

He also emphasized that the new spacecraft is not specifically intended for orbital flights, but its flight tests will nevertheless be conducted in orbit.

In 2011, test cosmonaut Serov worked at the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation, where he was involved in the ergonomic development of the advanced manned spacecraft Federatsiya (Federation), which was later renamed Oryol. In 2019, Serov moved to S7 Space, and later returned to RSC Energia.