In Search of ... Almaz/TKS VA Capsule at Khrunichev

[Capt. David]

Hi Everyone!

I'm looking for pictures of this Almaz capsule at Khrunichev...



I'm reasonably sure that this is the VA No. 0103/2 which would have been launched as the bottom capsule on the 5th LVI (dual capsule launch). I'm looking for shots of this particular capsule because it has the Vzor shroud missing, the Life Support System attached with the connecting wires exposed (drooool, drooool) , along with a few access hatches missing!

Thanks in advance!

David L. Rickman

[Capt. David]

I've found another very intriguing photo posted on a Russian mans' Liveinternet Profile:



This Almaz capsule appears to have the Life Support System still attached which would make this very, VERY important. As far as I've been able to find there is only one remaining Almaz capsule which has the LSS in place. Even the capsules displayed in the Exhibition Hall of NPO Mashinostroyenia don't have the LSS (although they do have the LSS  displayed separately with the outside end on the bottom).

I first thought this was the same capsule held somewhere out of sight at Khrunichev. But then I realized that the small temperature sensitive squares are on both the nose cone AND the capsule. The one at Khrunichev doesn't have these squares on the capsule. These squares are designed to stay on the capsule during the reentry phase, so I wouldn't imagine that they are easy to remove.

I also don't recognize the location where this capsule was photographed. The walls in the background are different than any other building I've seen. There is also something between the wall and this capsule which I am unable to identify.

There may be a great clue in the photographs title which I am unfamiliar with. It is "VA_IN_ZIH". I have no idea what ZIH is or where it's located. So, if any of you Soviet/Russian Cosmic Technonauts out there know what or where I can find "ZIH" I would be very grateful if you could share that with me.

Best Regards,

David L. Rickman