The C-21 (Cosmopolis XXI) Aerospace System consists of a carrier aircraft, the M-55X, and a manned rocket module, the C-21. The module is a lifting body Reusable Launch Vehicle built around a 3-seat passenger capsule. It also includes an engine unit and an equipment compartment with rescue and environmental control / life support systems.

The rocket module is mounted on top of the M-55 "Geophysika" carrier aircraft. A connection between the carrier and the rocket module provides information on status and efficiency control of all rocket module systems before take off and separation.

The carrier aircraft with the C-21 attached will reach an altitude of 17 kilometers (10.5 miles), and then gather speed to perform a vertical climb maneuver. Once the altitude reaches 20 kilometers, and the trajectory angle reaches 40-60 degrees to the horizon, the locks are disengaged and the rocket module begins to separate from the M-55X. As soon as a safe distance from the carrier aircraft is reached, the C-21's rocket engine is ignited automatically. The rocket module then climbs steadily under rocket power, on a gradual trajectory up to maximum altitude, around 100 kilometers (62 miles). Once the rocket engine burns out, it separates from the crew compartment. The C-21 then continues to gain altitude as it passes through Sub-orbital space.

During the descent phase back to Earth, control surfaces are extended for optimal aerodynamic performance. The landing is divided into the glide-phase and the final parachute-assisted touch down.

(From DOC report, Oct 2002)

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The Cosmopolis XXI launch system consists of a carrier aircraft, the Russian M-55X, and a manned rocket module, the C-21. The C-21 is a Russian built vehicle that leverages technology developed for the Buran ("the Russian Space Shuttle"). The Cosmpolis XXI is intended for operations out of Russia, using conventional airports and launch sites. A single solid-propellant Russian engine, propels the C-21 module to an altitude of 62 miles (100km).

The Cosmopolis XXI takes off horizontally from a conventional airport or launch site. The C-21 module piggybacks on the single-pilot M-55X carrier aircraft. The M-55X carries the C-21 module to an altitude of 20 kilometers and a trajectory angle of 40-60 degrees to the horizon. At this point, the C-21 is disengaged from the M-55X, and as soon as a safe separation distance is achieved, the C-21's rocket engine is ignited. The C- 21 then climbs steadily under rocket power, on a gradual trajectory, to an altitude of 62 miles (100 km). Once the rocket engine burns out, the engine compartment separates from the crew capsule. The C-21 then continues to gain altitude as it passes through sub-orbital space. During the descent phase back to Earth, control surfaces are extended for optimal aerodynamic performance. The landing is divided into the lifting body glidephase and the final parachute-assisted touch down.

The Space Adventures sub-orbital spaceflight program [link to 1.2] may use the C-21 sub-orbital vehicle, or other vehicles as they become available.