Excalibur Almaz

[rnc]

http://www.manxtube.com/video/2639/NASA-astronaut

Interview with Leroy C.

[Danderman]

From the NK forum, a link to the Almaz space station transport Flickr page:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55345349@N07/with/5331335732/

[Capt. David]

There has always been confusion regarding Art Dula's use of the term "Almaz" to cover both the space station modules and the landing vehicle that his company is currently marketing.

In this case, it appears that two of the remaining Salyut-class base modules in storage at NPO Mash have been shipped to the Island of Man for some reason.

It's not confusing at all. The Almaz Orbital Complex consisted of the Almaz Orbital Piloted Station, the Transport Supply Ship, the Reusable Return Capsule, and the Special Information Capsules. All of these are Almaz. What Art is updating now are the Almaz RRVs.

The two stations (which I think should be referred to as Almaz class, since Almaz came first and Salyut was based on the Almaz) are going into storage until they can be updated. One of these stations is quite interesting. The front of it is unlike any other Almaz station (embedded with four spherical tanks, and two nozzles - one facing port and the other starboard). The interior is complete except for some electronics. The cooling systems and wiring harnesses are installed. The back of the station is identical to the Almaz unmanned stations.

I'm not sure about the identity of the other station. It's appears to be a stripped down hull.

Regards,

David L. Rickman

[Downix]

Any chance of photos? I am curious about this odd-man out.

[Capt. David]

Any chance of photos? I am curious about this odd-man out.

I really wish I could post these. They were given to me by Art Dula with the notice that they were for my eyes only.

I think I can get away with posting a simplified drawing. But, let me ask Art first.

Best Regards,

David L. Rickman

[Capt. David]

Any chance of photos? I am curious about this odd-man out.

FINALLY!

A photo of this station form RT:


The story here: http://rt.com/news/blogs/week-technology/countdown-liftoff-march-21/

David L. Rickman

[Downix]

I see what you mean.  Odd indeed.

[Danderman]

The story here: http://rt.com/news/blogs/week-technology/countdown-liftoff-march-21/

"As of now they have a 2013 target for the first unpiloted RRV launch, followed by manned flight the following year."

 

[Capt. David]

The story here: http://rt.com/news/blogs/week-technology/countdown-liftoff-march-21/

"As of now they have a 2013 target for the first unpiloted RRV launch, followed by manned flight the following year."

 

That would place the first manned launch of the RRV during the year of Chelomei's 100th anniversary!!!

[Capt. David]

Excalibur Almaz to showcase Space Stations on Isle of Man on April 26 & 27 

http://www.excaliburalmaz.com/Newsletters/EA_press_release_04-15-2011.pdf

I TOTALLY can't wait to see photographs from this event!

David L. Rickman

[tonyq]

Today a visited the Excalibur Almaz hanger at Jurby, Isle of Man for a media event hosted by Col. Valery Tokarev.

I am not an engineering specialist - my main interest is in astronauts and cosmonauts, so sorry if I did not photograph all the things people wanted to see.

Because I was there as a representative of 'Spaceflight' magazine I must give them first viewing of most of my 70+ photos, but I am happy to post a few here as a preview.

I was very surprised that we were allowed inside the most complete module and to take any photographs that we wanted.

[Capt. David]

Tony,

These are excellent photographs! There are some interesting details in both stations. Theses were to have been unmanned, but it will take some study to determine the function of some of the instruments in the "near complete" station.

The bare-bones station is something I never thought I'd see! Quite exciting!!!

Thank you for sharing these!

David L. Rickman

[Skylab]

And some more:

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/almaz_0205.html

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/almaz_0206.html

[Ronsmytheiii]

Note: Please do not embed images, attach them instead.

[Capt. David]

And some more:

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/almaz_0205.html

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/almaz_0206.html

Thanks Skylab,

And there will be even more in an upcoming issue of Spaceflight magazine thanks to tonyq!!!

But I disagree with Russianspaceweb's assessment of No. 0205. All Almaz hulls were built to the same specifications (i.e. for manned missions). They all have the same number of openings for windows and optical equipment, as well as front and rear openings for hatches. But the evidence strongly suggest that this one was being refurbished for an autonomous (or at best, man tended) mission. There is a viewing window in 0205, but that may have been for the benefit of Excalibur Almaz. Nothing else suggest this was to have been manned.

Here's an interesting feature: In the interior shot of the bare-bones hull posted above by tonyq, the object in the foreground is the bottom of an AGAT camera housing. One of these hasn't flown since 1975, and was even replaced in the unlaunched fourth Almaz.

Best Regards,

David L. Rickman