Author Topic: Does the Soyuz have a backup system for a main chute failure? (Read 3655 times)

SkipMorrow · « **on:** 06/19/2016 02:15 am »

The main chute looks like a single point of failure. Does it have a backup system? If not, is there anything that can be said regarding the confidence that it will work perfectly, other than the track record (which I know is pretty good). I'd just like to know why they would think a single chute would be virtually foolproof, if it is the case that there is not a backup chute.

hop · « **Reply #1 on:** 06/19/2016 02:33 am »

Quote from: SkipMorrow on 06/19/2016 02:15 am

The main chute looks like a single point of failure. Does it have a backup system?

Yes, there is a reserve chute.

edit:
PDF from NTRS describing the original system. The reserve is half the area of the main, so would result in an even harder than usual landing.

On the ill-fated Soyuz 1 flight, both failed.

Nicolas PILLET · « **Reply #2 on:** 06/19/2016 03:04 am »

If you can read French :

http://www.kosmonavtika.com/vaisseaux/soyouz/tech/ksp/ksp.html

SkipMorrow · « **Reply #3 on:** 06/19/2016 03:08 am »

That is perfect! Thanks

fregate · « **Reply #4 on:** 06/21/2016 05:29 am »

New Generation spacecraft Federation would use a main parachute system (3 canopies like Apollo/Orion) without backup parachute system. Rationale: spacecraft would be capable to provide safe landing with 2 fully deployed canopies (like it happened with Apollo-15 landing)