Kaputnik - 11/1/2007 7:50 PM I have a question about the TKS/VA Apparently the TPS developed for the VA capsule was superior to the Soyuz shielding. If this is true, then why has it not been used on the Soyuz as part of the TM or TMA upgrades? Is there any chance that the VA design could see a role in the CSTS program?
Different concepts of design. The TKS capsule had the hatch to BO directly in a heatshield and has been placed in the top part of a spacecraft. Advantage of such concept, was higher lift-over-drag ratio, and an opportunity of accommodation of engines of soft landing not under a heatshield, and above a capsule, with the subsequent VA reuse. Soyuz it will be necessary to redesign too strongly for use of similar scheme, easier at once to do Kliper. And certainly it is the different firms competing among themselves. Soyuz is made by Energia, and TKS/VA is made by Khrunichev. Too difficultly.
Eraser - 13/1/2007 10:33 AM QuoteKaputnik - 11/1/2007 7:50 PM I have a question about the TKS/VA Apparently the TPS developed for the VA capsule was superior to the Soyuz shielding. If this is true, then why has it not been used on the Soyuz as part of the TM or TMA upgrades? Is there any chance that the VA design could see a role in the CSTS program?Different concepts of design. The TKS capsule had the hatch to BO directly in a heatshield and has been placed in the top part of a spacecraft. Advantage of such concept, was higher lift-over-drag ratio, and an opportunity of accommodation of engines of soft landing not under a heatshield, and above a capsule, with the subsequent VA reuse. Soyuz it will be necessary to redesign too strongly for use of similar scheme, easier at once to do Kliper. And certainly it is the different firms competing among themselves. Soyuz is made by Energia, and TKS/VA is made by Khrunichev. Too difficultly.
I am sorry, has not quite understood a question. But in any case the competition between firms-manufacturers will be an obstacle, and heat-shielding TKS/VA is possible the expensive to put it on disposable Soyuz capsules.
Danderman - 13/1/2007 11:33 AM Given that the Soyuz TPS has been proven under conditions of return from lunar missions, I doubt that many consider the TPS shielding to be "better". Moreover, the technical feat of putting the landing rockets in the parachute system was demonstrated on Voshkod prior to Soyuz by RSC Energia and discarded as an inferior system (among other problems, the nozzles can't point straight down at the capsule if they are located above the capsule).
Landing rockets at TKS/VA are fixed on the rigid console unlike Voskhod. That Soyuz TPS is considerably more tested, I agree.
cpooley - 7/7/2006 6:37 PMtwo interesting methods: 1. Soyuz (R-7) a liquid nitrogen tank feeds one of 4 pumps on the trubopump shaft and runs it through a heat exchanger which used the turbine exhaust to evaporate it to pressurize the tanks. Lighter than using high pressure bottles.
Here's are the best pictures of the instruments panel of Vostok I have found so far in my quest(s):
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Which aren't too bad .... but still no close enough to be able to real all the labels :-(
Carl G - 29/1/2007 6:55 PM What is the budget of the Russian space program?
Eraser - 31/1/2007 6:41 AMQuoteCarl G - 29/1/2007 6:55 PM What is the budget of the Russian space program?Head of the Federal Space Agency, Anatoly Perminov, at a meeting of the Federation Council announced that, in 2007 for the Russian space programme will be allocated 0.8 billion dollars 30 times less than the budget of NASA.
Martin FL - 31/1/2007 9:12 AMThat's amazing. A very very good space program for only $800m.
That's amazing. A very very good space program for only $800m.
Nothing amazing, rockets are inexpensive owing to a batch production and a cheap labour. Technology have become outdated. Russian satellite group is very small in comparison with the United States.
Jim - 31/1/2007 5:43 PM the exchange rate is artificial
Offtopic: You have in view of a exchange rate of rouble to dollar? The Rouble now is is hard currency, the Central Bank of Russia has removed all restrictions on an exchange and export of currency.