The European Space Agency's proposed "ARV"
Right now, it’s only a study. And, considering the cost—and the difficulty these days of coming up with big money—it may never be built.
But Europe is looking at developing its own manned spaceflight capabilities. Currently, European astronauts can only get into space by hitching a ride on American or Russian spacecraft. (The Chinese fly their own spacecraft—albeit with the help of expertise provided by hired Russian experts.)
The study proposes the development of an unmanned cargo vehicle, and making modifications over time to enable the spacecraft to carry people. The earliest possible first cargo flight would be in 2016. And, even if approved, Europe’s first manned flight would be no sooner than 2025.
ARV similar to Orion and Dragon
The proposed spacecraft currently goes by the bland name “Advanced Re-entry Vehicle” and is referred to as the ARV. Like other proposed new generation spacecraft, the ARV would have solar panels to collect power, and would launch using “disposable” rockets. (NASA’s proposed Orion spacecraft has such panels; so does SpaceX’s vehicle called Dragon.)
The craft would carry up to 4 astronauts, and launch on an Ariane 5 rocket from a facility in Kourou, French Guiana. But, if it ever happens, it won’t be for a couple of years…
[...] They have been working closely with the Russian already. A planned launch of a Soyuz from ESA’s base in New Guinea is scheduled for 2010. And, although nothing much has yet come of it, ESA has been thinking about creating a manned spacecraft of its own. [...]