The launch of spacecraft Soyuz MS by launch vehicle Soyuz-2.1a is planned for August 2019. The spacecraft will flight in an unmanned mode, that will make it possible to increase the payload by several times due to the lack of a part of the instruments and assemblies required to support the crew activities. Currently, the unmanned version of spacecraft Soyuz MS is at the stage of compartments assembly.

General Designer of RSC Energy Evgeny MIKRIN emphasized that the unmanned spacecraft Soyuz MS is not a new modification of the manned spacecraft, "This version of Soyuz MS differs from an ordinary follow-on spacecraft by an upgraded guidance, control and navigation system (GC&NS) with an appropriate modification of separate on-board systems. Our task is to test this system and also check the integration of the spacecraft with launch vehicle Soyuz-2.1a.

The results of the flight tests of the upgraded GC&NS can be used in production of a new space transport cargo return spacecraft Soyuz GVK, which RSC Energia is developing based on Soyuz spacecraft. Soyuz GVK uses more profoundly upgraded onboard systems, another payload fairing (without the emergency rescue system). The cargo spacecraft will be able to deliver 2 tons of cargo into orbit, and return 500 kg to Earth, while a detachable compartment of the spacecraft can accommodate an additional ton of cargo to be disposed, which will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Launch vehicle of a high load-lifting capacity Soyuz-2.1b is planned to be used to launch the spacecraft. The development of Soyuz GVK is planned to be completed in 2022.