Author Topic: First Soyuz-2.1b launch from Plesetsk (Read 40480 times)

anik · « **on:** 03/21/2008 07:45 pm »

According to http://www.mil.ru/848/1045/1276/kv/19240/index.shtml?id=39561 Soyuz-2.1b rocket has been rolled out to the launch pad 43/4 of Plesetsk cosmodrome on March 19th for four-day tests of rocket and launch pad.

Images below are from http://www.mil.ru/848/1045/1276/kv/19240/index.shtml?id=39625

eeergo · « **Reply #1 on:** 03/21/2008 11:22 pm »

That new and shiny Soyuz pad sure looks good

Is it that new or just re-painted?

What is it launching?

dwmzmm · « **Reply #2 on:** 03/22/2008 12:16 am »

Pretty good size payload/nose shroud. My curiosity has been aroused, too.

anik · « **Reply #3 on:** 03/22/2008 06:27 am »

Quote

eeergo - 22/3/2008 3:22 AM

Is it that new or just re-painted?

It is the old launch pad 43/4 for launches of Soyuz-U or Molniya-M rockets in the past. A long time ago it was modernized for launches of Soyuz-2 rockets.

Google Maps image of this launch pad: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=62%C2%B055%2744.06%22N+40%C2%B027%2724.71%22E&ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=62.928859,40.456789&spn=0.004629,0.021501&t=k&om=0

Quote

eeergo - 22/3/2008 3:22 AM

What is it launching?

After four-day tests the rocket will be returned to the integration building (MIK) for preparation to the launch of military satellite.

Skyrocket · « **Reply #4 on:** 03/22/2008 03:44 pm »

Will this launch use a Fregat upper stage?

anik · « **Reply #5 on:** 03/22/2008 06:11 pm »

Quote

Skyrocket - 22/3/2008 7:44 PM

Will this launch use a Fregat upper stage?

No.

William Graham · « **Reply #6 on:** 03/25/2008 08:47 pm »

Well, it's been four days. Any news on how the tests went?

Arie · « **Reply #7 on:** 03/30/2008 02:28 pm »

Quote

GW_Simulations - 25/3/2008 4:47 PM

Well, it's been four days. Any news on how the tests went?

Good, as expected.

anik · « **Reply #8 on:** 05/11/2008 04:11 pm »

http://www.rian.ru/technology/20080511/107080081.html

The launch is scheduled during summer.

Satori · « **Reply #9 on:** 07/24/2008 10:08 am »

The first Soyuz-2.1b launch from Plesetsk is scheduled for tomorrow July 25th. Does anyone has any other news about it?

lbiderman · « **Reply #10 on:** 07/24/2008 02:02 pm »

In the Russian Launches Schedule there is a rumour about the launchtime, being 22:40 Moscow Summer Time, or pretty close to it (can´t remember that precisely

). The idea is that it is a Persona satellite.

Olaf · « **Reply #11 on:** 07/25/2008 07:51 am »

According to Novosti kosmonavtiki the launch is delayed by one day.

input~2 · « **Reply #12 on:** 07/26/2008 07:29 pm »

Launch occurred to-day at 18:31 UTC.
As mentionned above, the payload is reportedly the first Persona electro-optical reconnaissance satellite featuring new technology and a 7-year lifetime:
http://rian.ru/technology/20080726/114991971.html
http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=23623

edkyle99 · « **Reply #13 on:** 07/27/2008 04:11 am »

Quote from: input~2 on 07/26/2008 07:29 pm

Launch occurred to-day at 18:31 UTC.
As mentionned above, the payload is reportedly the first Persona electro-optical reconnaissance satellite featuring new technology and a 7-year lifetime:
http://rian.ru/technology/20080726/114991971.html
http://www.interfax.ru/news.asp?id=23623

I have seen several news reports now mention that Soyuz 2-1b has a "more powerful" third stage engine. The RD-0120 staged combustion Blok I third stage engine is, as I understand it, actually not "more powerful", in terms of thrust, but is much more efficient, in terms of specific impulse. The information I have says that the old RD-0110 engine produced 30.38 tonnes of thrust at 325 sec ISP while RD-0120 produces 30 tonnes thrust at 359 sec ISP.

- Ed Kyle

Eraser · « **Reply #14 on:** 07/27/2008 05:48 am »

Quote from: edkyle99 on 07/27/2008 04:11 am

The RD-0120 staged combustion Blok I third stage engine is, as I understand it, actually not "more powerful", in terms of thrust, but is much more efficient, in terms of specific impulse.

IIRC, RD-0124. In Russian news has not seen anything about "more powerful". RIAN writes that the engine has a "high specific performance".

ssb · « **Reply #15 on:** 07/27/2008 06:28 am »

Quote from: Eraser on 07/27/2008 05:48 am

IIRC, RD-0124...

Right. (RD-0120 is the "russian SSME").
Here it is http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd0124.htm
vs older RD-0110: http://www.astronautix.com/engines/rd0110.htm

Or in russian: http://www.lpre.de/kbkha/RD-0124/index.htm
http://www.kbkha.ru/?p=8&cat=8&prod=51
vs RD-0110: http://www.kbkha.ru/?p=8&cat=8&prod=37

Stephan · « **Reply #16 on:** 07/27/2008 12:42 pm »

First elements :

http://www.calsky.com/csrender.cgi?&object=Satellite&sat=33272
USSPACECOM Nr: 33272
International Designator: 2008-037A
Orbit: 199.3 x 741.6 km, 94min
Inclination: 98.3°

http://www.calsky.com/csrender.cgi?&object=Satellite&sat=33273
USSPACECOM Nr: 33273
International Designator: 2008-037B
Orbit: 198.3 x 720.3 km, 93.8min
Inclination: 98.3°

edkyle99 · « **Reply #17 on:** 07/27/2008 02:10 pm »

Quote from: Eraser on 07/27/2008 05:48 am

Quote from: edkyle99 on 07/27/2008 04:11 am
The RD-0120 staged combustion Blok I third stage engine is, as I understand it, actually not "more powerful", in terms of thrust, but is much more efficient, in terms of specific impulse.
IIRC, RD-0124. In Russian news has not seen anything about "more powerful". RIAN writes that the engine has a "high specific performance".

Yes, RD-0124. Sorry about that typo.

- Ed Kyle

pm1823 · « **Reply #18 on:** 07/27/2008 06:54 pm »

mms://video.rfn.ru/rtr-vesti/141488.asf

Stephan · « **Reply #19 on:** 07/27/2008 06:58 pm »

I have this one : mms://video.rfn.ru/rtr-vesti/141447.asf
(but I don't speak russian)

Comes from this article :
http://www.vesti.ru/cnews.html?id=197051

avitek · « **Reply #20 on:** 07/27/2008 07:21 pm »

Quote from: Stephan on 07/27/2008 06:58 pm

I have this one : mms://video.rfn.ru/rtr-vesti/141447.asf
(but I don't speak russian)

Comes from this article :
http://www.vesti.ru/cnews.html?id=197051

Only two items from the commentary are worth of quote:

max. payload of rocket is 7.5 metric tonnes
max useful lifetime of this satelllite is between 5 and 7 years.

pm1823 · « **Reply #21 on:** 07/27/2008 08:34 pm »

Quote

max. payload of rocket is 7.5 metric tonnes

Not on retrograde SSO with 98.3 degs, this payload max. was more like 6.5t

input~2 · « **Reply #22 on:** 07/28/2008 07:44 am »

Today's edition of the Russian newspaper "Kommersant" has an article in English on the payload, indicating an image resolution of "less than 30 cm" for Persona-N1. The Russian version has more history on Russian reconnaissance satellites.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #23 on:** 07/28/2008 06:50 pm »

When was the last utilisation of this launch pad ?

Mighty-T · « **Reply #24 on:** 07/29/2008 09:05 am »

Quote from: Nicolas PILLET on 07/28/2008 06:50 pm

When was the last utilisation of this launch pad ?

according to my notes on 24th December 2006 for a Soyuz ST (2.1) for a russian national mission too.

pm1823 · « **Reply #25 on:** 07/29/2008 05:56 pm »

http://rutube.ru/tracks/879919.html?v=56a5cf56f778a66282f1b1421a3654b2

satcomuk · « **Reply #26 on:** 07/30/2008 09:46 pm »

Last night , just three days after launch , Objects A and b passed over the UK.
Object B , at low elevation , came zipping by at quite a pace as it is only 250km or so high , Object A , the payload was some minutes later and by then the cloud had thickened.However I managed to catch a few frames of this fast moving target at a range of about 240km.
( Orbit height 220 km )

I have put a short description , plus images on my website
http://satcom.website.orange.co.uk/ ( Just press the Recent Obs tag )

From my fleeting view of the satellite it looks like Cosmos 2441 is a typical barrel type design with solar array each side of the optical tube , rather like Hubble.....and similar to USA 129 ( Image on the Home Page )
I estimate it to be five metres or so in length.

These details are of course based on my very limited imaging and I would welcome any thoughts/comments from list members .

At the top of the same page there is also a recent image of IGS 1B , taken on July 18.

John

Danderman · « **Reply #27 on:** 07/31/2008 12:15 am »

Hey, if you could get us a good image of Cosmos 382, that would be great.

satcomuk · « **Reply #28 on:** 07/31/2008 05:49 am »

I would love to , but even though it is so big it never comes closer than about 2500 km which means I would see very little , if any , detail

satcomuk · « **Reply #29 on:** 07/31/2008 07:37 am »

BTW see Craig Cavaults report about the launch

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/PERS07298.xml&headline=Russia%20Launches%20Persona%20Milsat&channel=comm

Looks like I saw something totally different !
Unless the panels are still in the launch position , tucked alongside the tube waiting to be unfurled , what I saw didnt have a span of 15m .I may be a couple of metres out with the length , but not the span.

So.....is Object "A" a dummy...and "B" the payload

I have attached a couple of frames taken seconds apart....judge for yourself ....and answers on a postcard please

John

LeVent · « **Reply #30 on:** 07/31/2008 09:08 am »

Quote from: satcomuk on 07/31/2008 07:37 am

BTW see Craig Cavaults report about the launch

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/PERS07298.xml&headline=Russia%20Launches%20Persona%20Milsat&channel=comm

Looks like I saw something totally different !

This is not Persona. This Resurs-P satellite project.

Persona - a big secret :-)

satcomuk · « **Reply #31 on:** 07/31/2008 10:54 am »

Excellent Le Vent , thanks for clearing that up

" Persona - a big secret :-) "

Perhaps not any more

After reading Craigs report I went back and did my maths again.
The object in my image is about 7 arc secs in length....so perhaps
the satellite is a little longer than I first thought. . . .say 7 to 8 metres rather than 5.
However I have no idea how big the fairing was.....but the weight factor ties in with something up to 8 metres.

John

LeVent · « **Reply #32 on:** 07/31/2008 11:01 am »

fairing "Persona"(left) "Resurs-DK1"(right)

LeVent · « **Reply #33 on:** 07/31/2008 11:05 am »

fairing 81KS

satcomuk · « **Reply #34 on:** 07/31/2008 11:11 am »

Brilliant...Thanks again

John

satcomuk · « **Reply #35 on:** 07/31/2008 11:20 am »

It is interesting that Craig says in his article....

" The Resurs DK1, which is almost identical in appearance to the Persona configuration "

Obviously , it isn't !
Perhaps that is why the DK1 was on public display....and not the Persona

John

Satori · « **Reply #36 on:** 07/31/2008 11:21 am »

That looks like a very good quality photo of the Persona fairing. Do you have any more of those?

Phillip Clark · « **Reply #37 on:** 07/31/2008 11:32 am »

Bearing in mind that the Soyuz-2/1B is credited with an LEO payload capability of about 8.5 tonnes, I wonder if Craig Covault could please explain how it managed to launch a "15 ton" Persona satellite? I would believe a horrendous mistranslation of "15 tons" having been "15,000 pounds" (since the Americans only think in imperial units!), which converts to about 6,800 kg. A capability to launch ~8.5 tonnes to a due east LEO would reasonably scale to ~7 tonnes to SSO.

I am not convinced that the satellite looks too much like the Resurs-DK 1 satellite. They probably share the same propulsion/instrument module which has been common to most of the Yantar satellites (and which was also used as a stand-alone Ikar upper stage for the original GlobalStar launches). John's image and original reconstruction are consistent with this being topped by the optical system and cylindrical shroud which we saw on the two Araks satellites and then the long axes of the two vanes of solar panels being parallel with the long axis of the satellite.

satcomuk · « **Reply #38 on:** 07/31/2008 12:26 pm »

This was my original concept drawing.....after looking at the images I captured....perhaps it is a little nearer the mark than the one on my webpage as regards the optical tube.

John

osiossim · « **Reply #39 on:** 07/31/2008 02:22 pm »

Resurs-DK1 have several documents on the net, by Federal Space Agency. Is there any about Persona?

So we can clarify...

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #40 on:** 07/31/2008 02:51 pm »

Quote from: osiossim on 07/31/2008 02:22 pm

Is there any about Persona?

No...

pm1823 · « **Reply #41 on:** 07/31/2008 05:34 pm »

Satcomuk, don't worry so much, this AW article is LOL!

Quote

The 15-ton Cosmos 2441 spacecraft was launched from Pad 4 of Plesetsk Launch Complex 34 on board a Soyuz 2B booster at 2:31 p.m. EDT July 26.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #42 on:** 07/31/2008 05:52 pm »

Quote

The 15-ton Cosmos 2441 spacecraft was launched from Pad 4 of Plesetsk Launch Complex 34 on board a Soyuz 2B booster at 2:31 p.m. EDT July 26.

Launch Complex 34 does not exist, it is complex 43. It was a type error in Novosti Kosmonavtiki, and AW just repeated it ! Not very serious...

pm1823 · « **Reply #43 on:** 07/31/2008 06:00 pm »

Quote from: osiossim on 07/31/2008 02:22 pm

Resurs-DK1 have several documents on the net, by Federal Space Agency. Is there any about Persona?

So we can clarify...

You can find many work-done-reports in runet using "14Ф137" instead "Персона".

pm1823 · « **Reply #44 on:** 07/31/2008 08:02 pm »

Quote

Launch Complex 34 does not exist, it is complex 43. It was a type error in Novosti Kosmonavtiki, and AW just repeated it ! Not very serious...

Anyone can find 5-6 errors in this AW article.

Cosmos 2411 - it's Glonass, Akron - it's Arkon, etc.

Skyrocket · « **Reply #45 on:** 08/01/2008 10:04 am »

The satellite shown in this illustration might be more fitting than the Resurs-P shown on servaral sites:

http://www.kbarsenal.ru/im/foto/f/Nuk1.jpg

(from http://www.kbarsenal.ru/nuklon.php )

Unfortunately, the spacecraft is not named on this site.

satcomuk · « **Reply #46 on:** 08/01/2008 11:12 am »

Ted Molczan has now confirmed that the orbit has been circularised , putting it out at over 700km and well out of range of casual
observers

So it looks like we are not going to get a second chance .

Having played around with colour values etc , here's my final take on the object , with the artists impression reflecting the attitude as seen on orbit.

John

LeVent · « **Reply #47 on:** 08/01/2008 01:33 pm »

Quote from: Skyrocket on 08/01/2008 10:04 am

The satellite shown in this illustration might be more fitting than the Resurs-P shown on servaral sites:

http://www.kbarsenal.ru/im/foto/f/Nuk1.jpg

(from http://www.kbarsenal.ru/nuklon.php )

Unfortunately, the spacecraft is not named on this site.

This is not Persona
Perhaps this is Liana ELINT satellite (KB Arsenal)
for comparison Tselina-2

TsSKB Progress is known to be makes the service module

Skyrocket · « **Reply #48 on:** 08/01/2008 02:11 pm »

Yes, you are right - this is likely the Liana spacecraft.

satcomuk · « **Reply #49 on:** 08/02/2008 12:34 pm »

As Persona has generated so much interest I have created a new page
at http://satcom.website.orange.co.uk/ ( Persona tag )
Which hopefully I can add to as more details become available.

John

ASTUTE · « **Reply #50 on:** 08/02/2008 04:59 pm »

Quote from: LeVent on 08/01/2008 01:33 pm

Quote from: Skyrocket on 08/01/2008 10:04 am
The satellite shown in this illustration might be more fitting than the Resurs-P shown on servaral sites:

http://www.kbarsenal.ru/im/foto/f/Nuk1.jpg

(from http://www.kbarsenal.ru/nuklon.php )

Unfortunately, the spacecraft is not named on this site.
This is not Persona
Perhaps this is Liana ELINT satellite (KB Arsenal)
for comparison Tselina-2

TsSKB Progress is known to be makes the service module

I don't think that is Liana ELINT satellite. A sat created for sea electronic reconnaissance, as Liana is, should have large antennas to get information from different frequency ranges. The sat, shown in the picture, has slight ones.

pm1823 · « **Reply #51 on:** 08/06/2008 06:17 pm »

http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/content/photogallery/gallery_159/index.shtml

LeVent · « **Reply #52 on:** 08/07/2008 04:19 am »

http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/content/photogallery/gallery_157/index.shtml

LeVent · « **Reply #53 on:** 08/07/2008 03:57 pm »

Quote from: satcomuk on 08/01/2008 11:12 am

Having played around with colour values etc , here's my final take on the object , with the artists impression reflecting the attitude as seen on orbit.

I think he was somewhat larger. A bit of indirect information

Publication in the journal «Vestnik of Samara State University»
A.L. Luks, A.G. Matveev
HIGH-EFFICIENT AMMONIAC HEAT-PIPES WITHIN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF LARGE DIMENSION CONSTRUCTIONS OF SPACECRAFT
In the paper an experimental study that is carried out according to agreement with FGUP GNP RKTs ”TsSKB-PROGRESS” is presented. This test program includes operational-development and resource tests and is carried out for high-efficient heat-pipes, which utilize light type AS-KPA 7,5-R1-120/0, TU 550.1-02070921.007-03 of aluminum alloy AD31 of Russian standard GOST 4784-74 and GOST-22233-93 of alloys 6060, 6061, 6063 of US standard AMS 4116. Thermal and physical characteristics of heat-pipes (temperature field, temperature difference, heat conduction and temperature lag) for different types, sizes and configurations (rectilinear and curvilinear) as base element of systems for temperature control of large dimension constructions of spacecraft (radiators and refrigerants, telescope module) are discussed.
http://vestnik.ssu.samara.ru/est/2007web6/vsys/2007560601.pdf

translated fragment:

Quote

...The result was the creation of the heat-pipes various sizes and configurations with optimum thermal, mass and dimensions characteristics, methods of their design, their manufacturing technology, technique and testing programme, operating on pilot products "Persona."

...Based on the results of research and development, provides practical advice production and the creation of new improved characteristics of designs heat-pipes as the basic structures of large constructions telescope (up to 6 meters tall and 2 meters or more in diameter), radiators-coolers (up to 3 meters)

William Graham · « **Reply #54 on:** 02/11/2009 01:24 pm »

Spacecraft has failed:
http://www.rg.ru/2009/02/11/sputnik.html

Cbased · « **Reply #55 on:** 02/12/2009 12:30 pm »

Quote from: GW_Simulations on 02/11/2009 01:24 pm

Spacecraft has failed:
http://www.rg.ru/2009/02/11/sputnik.html

Failure in electronic components. Russia will not have a high definition spy satellite for a few more years.

Stan Black · « **Reply #56 on:** 06/07/2013 09:08 pm »

Quote from: Cbased on 02/12/2009 12:30 pm

Quote from: GW_Simulations on 02/11/2009 01:24 pm
Spacecraft has failed:
http://www.rg.ru/2009/02/11/sputnik.html
Failure in electronic components. Russia will not have a high definition spy satellite for a few more years.

http://www.dissercat.com/content/metody-i-sredstva-issledovaniya-radiatsionnykh-effektov-v-integralnykh-skhemakh-zapominayush

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #57 on:** 09/23/2014 03:42 pm »

I now have many high resolution pictures for this launch.

http://www.kosmonavtika.com/lancements/2008/26072008/26072008photos.html