{"id":40048,"date":"2012-08-10T22:33:23","date_gmt":"2012-08-10T14:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/russia-ready-to-evolve-their-veteran-launcher-via-soyuz-2-1v\/"},"modified":"2012-08-10T22:33:23","modified_gmt":"2012-08-10T14:33:23","slug":"russia-ready-to-evolve-their-veteran-launcher-via-soyuz-2-1v","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/russia-ready-to-evolve-their-veteran-launcher-via-soyuz-2-1v\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia ready to evolve their veteran launcher via Soyuz 2.1v"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, are pushing forward with a \u201clight\u201d version of their veteran Soyuz launch vehicle \u2013 known as the Soyuz 2.1v. Manufactured by TsSKB-Progress, the new launcher \u2013 one that does not sport the famous four boosters around the core stage \u2013 will be capable of lofting 2.8 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).<\/p>\n

Rich History:<\/p>\n

With the launch of Sputnik, the Soviet Union shook the world and immediately became the global leaders in the space flight arena. Taking advantage of their early success, the Soviets went on to launch the first human into space, conducted the first space walk, and were primed to beat the United States to the Moon.<\/p>\n

\"\"The reason for the early success of the Soviet space program was thanks to one brilliant design from one brilliant man, Sergei Korolev.<\/p>\n

Since the debut flight in 1957, launch vehicles derived from the R-7 Semyorka ICBM have stayed true to the basic profile first set forth by Mr Korolev, vehicles that utilize a central stage powered by the RD-108 engine, with four boosters powered by the RD-107 engine.<\/p>\n

From the dawn of its inception, through to the modern era, this family of launchers have not deviated from this common layout, as the R-7 formed the basis for the Luna, Vostok, Voskhod, Molniya and Soyuz families of rockets. To date, all Soviet and Russian manned spaceflights have been launched using rockets derived from the R-7.<\/p>\n

While some concepts \u2013 using other engines, such as the RD-120 or NK-33 \u2013 have been floated from time to time, none have ever come close to flight status. That is, until now.<\/p>\n

Advancing Soyuz:<\/p>\n

Space tourism guides<\/path>Spaceflight<\/path>Aerospace industry analysis<\/path>\n

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Pushing forward with the future use of the veteran launch vehicle, the Soyuz-2 provided the program upgrade for the older and wildly successful Soyuz-U family of rockets.<\/p>\n

\"\"The variant, known as Soyuz-2-1a, upgraded the Soyuz-U with modern digital electronics and revised upper stage functions. Soyuz-2-1b replaced the upper stage with a new unit, powered by an improved avionics suite and more powerful engine. The Soyuz-ST \u2013 flown out of Kourou, French Guiana \u2013 provided a customized version of the Soyuz-2 for use by the European Space Agency (ESA).<\/p>\n

The next stage in the program\u2019s development is aimed at replacing the 55 year old design for the first stage and its boosters. This initiative came after successful inaugural flight of the Soyuz-2-1b in 2008, with final approval granted for what is known as the Soyuz-2-1v program.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Soyuz-2-1v marks an increase in the first stage diameter from 2 meters to 2.7 meters, and replaces the aged RD-108 with a new engine. The vehicle will carry over the control and guidance systems from the Soyuz-2-1b and will interface with the already existing ground support equipment.<\/p>\n

Per an array of presentations in the L2 Russian Section \u2013 L2 LINK \u2013 the vehice stands 44 meters tall on the launch pad.<\/p>\n

Replacing the legacy R-7 first stage and boosters, the new first stage sports a replacement engine, designated as the 14D15, built by the NK Engines Company. Images of the engine show it is based on the NK-33, from Korolev\u2019s ambitious moon rocket, the N-1.<\/p>\n

This engine\u2019s stats include a thrust rating listed at 1,545 KN (Sea Level), 1,720 KN (Vacuum), with a Thrust Specific Impulse of 297.6s (Sea Level), 331.2s (Vacuum), with a thrust range of 55 percent to 100 percent of rating.<\/p>\n

\"\"Documentation also shows another engine on the core, called the 12D24, or RD-110R. The 12D24 handles the vector and roll controls for the first stage, also allowing the 14D15 to be easily mounted to the rocket structure.<\/p>\n

The stats for this engine include a thrust rating listed at 24.28 KN (Sea Level), 27.81 KN (Vacuum), with a Thrust Specific Impulse of 260.5s (Sea Level), 298.3s (Vacuum), while the dry weight of the engine is 425 kg, compared to 1,250 kg for the 14D15.<\/p>\n

In addition, the new launch vehicle is slated to use the new Volga insertion stage. Said to be cheaper than the Fregat stage currently in service, the Volga will cater for orbital insertion to orbits as high as 1700 km.<\/p>\n

\"\"Built to endure up to 24 hours of operation \u2013 with multiple restart capability \u2013 the Volga is targeted at the largest base of Fregat customers on the Soyuz, those seeking mid to high orbits.<\/p>\n

This unit has been developed internally by TsSKB, who are aiming to ensure the Volga will be compatible with the entire Soyuz-2 fleet of launch vehicles.<\/p>\n

The company predicts it could replace the more expensive Fregat on half of missions it is currently used for.<\/p>\n

The engine details for the Volga Upper Stage have not been disclosed at this time.<\/p>\n

\"\"The most striking element for the Soyuz 2.1v is the removal of the distinctive boosters that are usually seen surrounding the core stage. However, careful examination of the booster reveals that there is still provision to add four boosters to the design as a potential upgrade path for the future.<\/p>\n

Several concepts relating of this projected upgrade have appeared over the years, but have remained on the drawing board. One such upgrade is called the Soyuz-2-3, which sports boosters using the RD-0155 engine, RD-193 engine or RD-120 engine.<\/p>\n

The design of these boosters have varied over time, but a model on display in Vienna last year shows a vehicle with four cylindrical boosters topped with a nose reminiscent of that found on the Energia.<\/p>\n

Further evolution is noted in the notional Soyuz-3 project, which replaces the Soyuz-2 upper stage with a new unit, based on a Hydrogen-driven \u2013 as opposed to Kerosene \u2013 Soyuz-2 upper stage, using the new RD-0146 engine co-developed with Pratt & Whitney.<\/p>\n

See Also<\/h4>\n