Author Topic: LIVE: Soyuz TMA-17 launch and docking - December 20-22, 2009 (Read 65218 times)

rdale · « **Reply #40 on:** 12/19/2009 07:42 pm »

Soyuz TMA-17/21S L-1 Preparations: At Baikonur/Kazakhstan, Soyuz 21S countdown continues on schedule for launch tomorrow to the ISS, scheduled for 4:52pm EST. [During loading, a shroud separation sensor was physically impacted and damaged, but it is redundant and its operation is not required for launch (its telemetry was disabled), according to TsUP-Moscow (Mark Bowman).]

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #41 on:** 12/20/2009 12:45 am »

Moved for live coverage.

JimO · « **Reply #42 on:** 12/20/2009 01:00 pm »

Any comments/corrections?

Soyuz launch vehicle countdown

L-8 hours:    Final countdown begins; Systems checks on Soyuz begin
L-6 hours:   Batteries installed in booster
L-5h 30m:   State Commission issues launch approval
L-5h 15m   Crew arrives at site 254
L-5 hours:    Systems checks begin
L-4h 20m:    Launch vehicle fueling authorization review
L-4h 20m:   Crew gets into Sokol suits
L-4 hours:    Launch vehicle fueling begins [other: L – 5hr]
L-3h 40m   Crew reports to delegations
L-3 hours   Oxidizer loading completed
L-2h 40m:   Crew arrives at launch pad
L-2h 30m:   Crew ingress
L-2 hours:    Soyuz hatch closed
L-1h 45m:   Final Soyuz DM systems checks begin
L-1h 45m:   Sokol suit air flow initiated
      Soyuz spacecraft pressurized
      Launcher systems final checks
L-1h 30m:   DM/OM hatch pressure check
      Crew switches on communications system
L- 60min:   Launcher inertial guidance system activated
L- 60 min:   Launch pad area evacuation begins
L- 45 min:   Flight program loaded into onboard computers
L- 45 min:   Service structure halves are lowered (white room)
L- 40 min:   Soyuz DM systems checks complete
L- 40 min:   Sokol pressure verification begins
L- 30 min:    launch command power activated
L- 30 min:    Soyuz SAS activated
L- 25 min:    Removal of service towers
L- 15 min:   Sokol leak tests complete
L- 15 min:   Launch pad area evacuation completed
L- 15 min:   Escape system auto mode enabled
L- 10 min:   Inertial guidance systems unlocked
L- 10 min:   Crew activates on-board recorders
L- 6m 15s:   Auto launch sequence activated
      “Launch key” handed to launch director
L - 6 min:   All systems declared ‘Ready to Launch’
L - 5 min:    Activation of ground and onboard telemetry
      Onboard systems switched to onboard control
      Commander's controls activated
      Crew switches to suit air by closing helmets
      Launch key inserted in launch bunker
L- 3m15s   1st & 2nd stage engines purged with nitrogen
L- 2m40s:   Umbilical mast power disconnected to 3rd stage
L- 2m35s:    Pressurization of propellant tanks starts
L- 2m30s:   Pressurization of all tanks with nitrogen begins
L- 2m30s:   Onboard measurement system activated
L- 2m15s:   Oxidizer and fuel drain and safety valves closed
L- 2m15s:   Ground filling of oxidizer & nitrogen terminated
L- 60 sec:    Transfer to on-board power supply
L- 60 sec:   Automatic sequencer enabled
L- 60 sec:   First umbilical tower separates from booster
L- 40 sec:   Power umbilical to third stage disconnected
L- 20 sec:   “Key to Start” initiates auto sequencer    control
L- 20 sec:   Ignition of 1st, 2nd stage engines at intermediate thrust level
L- 15 sec:   Second umbilical tower separates from booster
L- 10 sec:   Engine turbopumps at flight speed
L- 5 sec:   First stage engines at maximum thrust
L- 0 sec:   Fueling tower retracts
L-0:       Liftoff!

Source: http://www.starsem.com/services/campaign.htm and
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/oasiss/08.OasISSInfoKit_LaunchProcedures.pdf

: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/soyuz/timeline_prelaunch.html