Further Reading

Soyuz Launch Vehicle

In 1957, Russia (the former Soviet Union) launched the Sputxnik 1, the first artificial satellite in the history of mankind, which was a sensational world event. Russia could keep the lead in space missions for a while after their success because of certain special measures. Russia did not start the production of a large rocket through one single effort but started the mission with a rocket consisting of a bundle of small rockets, applying the V-2 technology they received from the Nazis after their occupation.

The Soyuz is an upgraded version of the Vostok which became the first manned space flight in the world by Gagarin in 1964. The Soyuz is called the A-2 (SL-4) and the Vostok is called the A-1 (SL-3) both of which were nicknamed for a manned space ship. The improved vehicles of Soyuz class were already used by various missions including the first manned flight of the Voskhod in 1964 and other experimental flights before the first manned flight of the Soyuz in 1967.

The most active Russian launch vehicle during 1993-1994 was the Soyuz-U2 (including the Soyuz U2 variant). Derived from Korolev's original R-7 ICBM (ISS-6) and the subsequent Sputnik, Luna, Vostok, and Voskhod launch vehicles, the first in 1966 and had since been flown approximately 750 times in various configurations with a reliability of more than 97%. The two-and-one-half-stage launch vehicle burns simple liquid oxygen and a form of kerosene. The first stage consists of a core vehicle powered by a 11D512 (RD-108) main engine and four strap-on boosters with 11D511(RD-107) main engines. The second stage carries a single, 4-nozzle 11D55 (RD-0110) main engine. The Soyuz- U/U2 launcher had a LEO payload capacity of approximately 7,300 kg for 52 degree inclination orbits.

"Soyuz-U" - a three-stage launch vehicle of the middle class, designed to launch into orbit spacecraft national economy, research and special purpose, as well as cargo spacecraft "Progress". The Soyuz-U2 upgrade was introduced in 1986 to support the Soyuz-TM spacecraft and has also been used for Progress-M spacecraft and the sixth generation photographic reconnaissance satellites.

Two Soyuz-U launch pads were operational at the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Complexes 1 and 31) and three are available at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome (Complexes 16 and 43 left and right). All Soyuz-U/U2 launch vehicles are produced by the Samara Central Specialized Design Bureau and Progress Plant with engines designed by the Energomash Scientific Production Association. Of the 32 missions flown during 1993-1994 only one failed. A malfunction in the second stage of the 27 April 1993 flight led to the loss of its photographic reconnaissance payload (References 245-246).

In 1991 work began on a major Soyuz improvement program. Now known as Rus, the modernized launch vehicle would have an increased payload capacity (up to 8,000 kg for a 52 degree orbit) with a new flight control system, enlarged payload fairings, and modified main engines. Operations are expected to begin at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in 1997. Test firings of a new Rus main engine were underway in 1994 (References 247-253).

By March 2004 there had been dozens of 300 to 400-second test-firings at a plant in Voronezh that developed and built the 'Rus' engine. Engineers there say 'Rus' is likely to open a whole new line of rocket engines. 'Rus' is to power the 'Soyuz-2' satellite launcher. The vehicle fills a niche on the lighter side of the heavy 'Proton' booster.

The first launch of the Soyuz-U took place on May 18, 1973. Last launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome was made May 17, 2012 with the spacecraft "Kosmos-2480". Previous launch of the rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on 17 February 2015. Then with the help of the orbit has been sent to the cargo ship "Progress M-26M". Russian space truck "Progress-M", launched mainly by means of rockets "Soyuz-U", after the spring of 2016 will be able to switch to other carriers - "Soyuz-2.1a,".

RCC "Progress" Alexander Kirilin recalled that the first launch of "Soyuz-2.1a" with "Progress-M" took place in October 2014, before all Russian trucks launched to the ISS using the "Soyuz-U". Kirilin noted that "progress" is the only payload for the "Soyuz-U", so that after the transition to a new model of the need for this modification disappeared.

The cycle had been completed flight tests of the launch vehicle of the middle class "Soyuz-2.1a", and now the decision about putting it into operation, end flight tests launcher middle class "Soyuz-2.1b." Also successfully completed the retrofit and conducted comprehensive tests launch and technical complexes preparation of a new launch vehicle of light class "Soyuz-2.1V." Flight tests of the rocket successfully launched in 2013.

Soyuz

Background Information First Launch: November 1963 Flight Rate: 45 per year (maximum recorded launch rate) Launch Site: Plesetsk, Russia; Baikonur, Kazakhstan Capability: 15,400 lb to LEO History Developed from the Vostok Launch Vehicle originally derived from the SS-6 ICBM Incorporates upgraded second stage and avionics Used to launch every former Soviet Union piloted spacecraft since 1964 Also used to launch photo reconnaissance satellites, earth resource satellites, and progress resupply missions to the Mir space station Description Two-stage liquid fueled vehicle Stage 1 core has one RD-108 booster engine (one turbopump with four separate combustion chambers) burning LO2/kerosene fed from stage 1 tanks, generating 167,000 lb of thrust Stage 1 strap-ons each have one RD-107 engine (one turbopump with four separate combustion chambers) burning LO2/kerosene fed from stage 1 tank, generating a total of 740,000 lb of thrust Stage 2 has one RD-461 engine burning LO2/kerosene, generating 67,000 lb of thrust Profile Length: 162 ft Launch Weight: 639,000 lb Diameter 8.9 ft Liftoff Thrust: 907,000 lb Payload Fairing: 29.5 ft x 9.4 ft