The launch today of the upgraded Russian
Soyuz spacecraft carrying a three-person crew to the International Space
Station (ISS) alleviates an important concern for future astronauts and
private participants alike: the need for more space.
The improved Soyuz TMA is designed to accommodate taller crew participants,
including space tourists, measuring up to 6’3″ ft. (190 cm), and also
ensures a safer landing. These modifications will give a larger number of
professional cosmonauts and astronauts – as well as future space tourists –
the opportunity to embark on a space flight to the ISS.
The Soyuz TMA provides better protection for the crew by decreasing the
speed at which the spacecraft lands and increasing the shock-absorption of
the spacecraft seats. In other words, future space tourists will have a
smoother and safer ride back to Earth.
“The Soyuz is among the most reliable launch vehicles today with a proven
record of servicing orbital stations,” said Eric Anderson, President and CEO
of Space Adventures. “The Soyuz TMA furthers this tradition.”
Space Adventures, Ltd. made possible the ISS flights of the world’s first
private space participants Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth. The company
has worked since August 1999, with RASA, RSC Energia, and the Yuri Gagarin
Cosmonaut Training Center to develop tourist flights to the ISS. For more
information on orbital flights or our other space-related programs, please
visit www.spaceadventures.com or call +1.703.524.7172.
