Is the Russian moonship getting closer to its target?

The Russians planned to win the race to moon with the Soyuz spacecraft. But they lost to the American Apollo. Now, Apollo is long gone and the Soyuz is the only operational vehicle designed to carry people to the moon. True, it’s not outfitted exactly right for the job. For example, the heat shield it uses is insufficient for a 24,000+ mph re-entry into our atmosphere.

But, with a few modifications, and a proper booster rocket, it should be able to do the job.

In fact, for some years, Space Adventures has offered a lunar visit aboard Soyuz to wealthy adventurers. Even now, the Russians still lack the booster needed. So the plan calls for the Soyuz to rendezvous in earth orbit with another vehicle which will provide the extra oomph needed for the lunar journey.

We hear, from time to time, that Space Adventures actually has a booking for the lunar flight. (see here.) The ticket costs $100 million or so—rumors of the price also vary. And to flight requires TWO such paying customers to make it work economically. So, maybe one ticket has been sold but the flight won’t happen because a second paying customer can’t be found. The Soyuz is a 3 person vehicle; the 3rd person would be, of course, the Russian cosmonaut pilot.

Eric Anderson, who heads up Space Adventures, recently gave an interview about the possible lunar flight. While we wait for an actual flight, enjoy this video by Space Adventures.