Russian space agency Roscosmos revealed the concept design of the new craft which will be powered by a compact nuclear reactor.
Roscosmos claims the craft will be capable of “interstellar” travel – which means flying between stars.
It is hoped the spaceship will be able to carry passengers and crew once a material is developed to protect them from the radiation.
Soviet Union space chiefs probed the use of nuclear power in space travel back during the Cold War.
Vladimir Putin’s scientists hope the craft will be able to make flights into deep space – and mocked SpaceX chief Elon Musk for using "old tech".
“A new class of nuclear power units, which do not need either the sunlight or solar batteries for operation”Roscosmos
Video released on the Roscomos page on Facebook shows the concept design of the sleek craft.
It boasted the nuclear engines will be of a “new class" that will "surpass the existing level of technological and scientific development".
Russia has been developing plans for the mega-watt class nuclear power plant since 2010.
The engine is being develop he Keldysh Center and companies of the Russian Atomic Energy Agency, reports Russian media.
Vladimir Koshlakov, chief of Keldysh Research Center, said: "A mission to Mars is possible in the very near future, but that’s not an aim in itself. Our engines can be the foundation for a whole range of space missions that currently seem like science fiction.
"Reusability is the priority.We must develop engines that do not need to be fine-tuned or repaired more than once every ten flights.
"Also, 48 hours after the rocket returns from space, it must be ready to go again. This is what the market demands.”
He added: "Elon Musk is using the existing tech, developed a long time ago.
"He is a businessman: he took a solution that was already there, and applied it successfully. Notably, he is also doing his work with help from the government."
Roscosmos said: "Today, the Keldysh Center is working on the development of a spacecraft equipped with more powerful engines.
“A new class of nuclear power units, which do not need either the sunlight or solar batteries for operation.”
Plans are now in motion to begin development of the engines – but no time frame has been given.
Soviet Union spacecraft carrying nuclear power units were launched 32 times as Moscow probed the technology during the Space Race and Cold War.
Roscosmos scientists admit difficulties making the vessel manned – as the shielding required with current technology would be too heavy.
Fears the spaceship will be cumbersome and expensive are hoped to be eased with the development of new light and durable materials.
Without the shielding, it is hoped the nuclear craft will be able to carry cargo.
Crew or passengers exposed to the reactor could be subject to radiation poisoning while in space flight.
Russia, China and the US are all turning their eyes to the stars again as a new Space Race hots up for the 21st century.
State-run and private firms are all trying to develop spacecraft that are cheaper and that can cope with the difficulties of long-range spaceflight.
Mankind’s next space milestone is Mars – with Donald Trump expressing his hopes of a manned mission within his tenure in the White House.
And the search continues for any sign of life in space as no evidence of aliens as yet been discovered.