65-597: Soyuz TMA-21 ( "Gagarin" ) was a Soyuz flight to the International Space Station (ISS). It transported three members of the Expedition 27 crew to the ISS, and docked at the station on April 6, 2011. TMA-21 is the 109th flight of a Soyuz spacecraft, the first of which launched in 1967. The Soyuz remained attached to the space station as a lifeboat, throughout the remainder of Expedition 27 and through
130-426: A fairing with a launch escape system during liftoff. The first Soyuz mission, Kosmos 133 , launched unmanned on 28 November 1966. The first crewed Soyuz mission, Soyuz 1 , launched on 23 April 1967 but ended tragically on 24 April 1967 when the parachute failed to deploy on reentry, killing cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov . The following flight, Soyuz 2 was uncrewed. Soyuz 3 launched on 26 October 1968 and became
195-699: A NASA jet to fly back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew of Soyuz TMA-21 selected Tarkhany as their call sign of respect for Mikhail Lermontov 's work. Lermontov grew up in the village of Tarkhany (in the Penza Governorate), which now preserves his remains. Year 2011 also marks the 170th anniversary of his fatal duel with fellow army officer Nikolai Martynov in 1841. Soyuz spacecraft Soyuz (Russian: Союз , IPA: [sɐˈjus] , lit. 'Union')
260-589: A legacy built upon its unparalleled operational history. The spacecraft has served as the primary mode of transport for cosmonauts to and from the Salyut space stations , the Mir space station, and International Space Station (ISS). Soyuz spacecraft are composed of three primary sections (from top to bottom, when standing on the launch pad): The orbital and service modules are discarded and destroyed upon reentry . This design choice, while seemingly wasteful, reduces
325-425: A nominal ascent, and successfully inserted the spacecraft into orbit 8 minutes and 45 seconds after liftoff. In orbit, the spacecraft deployed its two solar panels and communications antennas as planned. Samokutyayev, carried a small stuffed dog given to him by his daughter. Hanging in front of the crew, live NASA TV launch footage showed that the dog begun to float as the spacecraft soared skywards, an indication of
390-476: A precaution, the launch of a GLONASS satellite on a Soyuz-2.1b / Fregat , which had been scheduled for 26 August 2011, was delayed until the engines could be inspected. On 9 September 2011, the FKA announced that the loss was caused by a blocked fuel duct, which caused the engines to shut down prematurely. The failure was not expected to have any immediate effect on the crew of the International Space Station , as
455-504: A pressurized container shaped like a bulging can (instrumentation compartment, priborniy otsek ) that contains systems for temperature control, electric power supply, long-range radio communications , radio telemetry , and instruments for orientation and control. A non-pressurized part of the service module (propulsion compartment, agregatniy otsek ) contains the main engine and a liquid-fuelled propulsion system , using N 2 O 4 and UDMH , for maneuvering in orbit and initiating
520-464: A revised Igla rendezvous system and new translation/attitude thruster system on the Service module. It could carry a crew of three, now wearing spacesuits. The Soyuz-TM crew transports (M: Russian : модифицированный , romanized : modifitsirovannyi , lit. 'modified') were fourth generation Soyuz spacecraft, and were used from 1986 to 2002 for ferry flights to Mir and
585-425: A small window was introduced, providing the crew with a forward view. A hatch between it and the descent module can be closed so as to isolate it to act as an airlock if needed so that crew members could also exit through its side port (near the descent module). On the launch pad, the crew enter the spacecraft through this port. This separation also lets the orbital module be customized to the mission with less risk to
650-439: A strap-on booster, low engine thrust, loss of combustion-chamber pressure, or loss of booster guidance. The spacecraft abort system (SAS; Russian : Система Аварийного Спасения , romanized : Sistema Avarijnogo Spaseniya ) could also be manually activated from the ground, but unlike American spacecraft, there was no way for the cosmonauts to trigger it themselves. Since it turned out to be almost impossible to separate
715-524: A two-man craft Soyuz 7K would rendezvous with other components (9K and 11K) in Earth orbit to assemble a lunar excursion vehicle, the components being delivered by the proven R-7 rocket . The crewed Soyuz spacecraft can be classified into design generations. Soyuz 1 through Soyuz 11 (1967–1971) were first-generation vehicles, carrying a crew of up to three without spacesuits and distinguished from those following by their bent solar panels and their use of
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#1732786815305780-448: Is a part of the reentry module, and the orbital module therefore depressurizes after separation. Reentry firing is usually done on the "dawn" side of the Earth, so that the spacecraft can be seen by recovery helicopters as it descends in the evening twilight, illuminated by the Sun when it is above the shadow of the Earth. The Soyuz craft is designed to come down on land, usually somewhere in
845-738: Is a series of spacecraft which has been in service since the 1960s, having made more than 140 flights. It was designed for the Soviet space program by the Korolev Design Bureau (now Energia ). The Soyuz succeeded the Voskhod spacecraft and was originally built as part of the Soviet crewed lunar programs . It is launched atop the similarly named Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan . Following
910-406: Is a single-use spacecraft composed of three main sections. The descent module is where cosmonauts are seated for launch and reentry. The orbital module provides additional living space and storage during orbit but is jettisoned before reentry. The service module, responsible for propulsion and power, is also discarded prior to reentry. For added safety and aerodynamics, the spacecraft is encased within
975-411: Is also the first expendable vehicle to feature a digital control technology. Soyuz-TMA looks identical to a Soyuz-TM spacecraft on the outside, but interior differences allow it to accommodate taller occupants with new adjustable crew couches. The Soyuz TMA-M was an upgrade of the baseline Soyuz-TMA, using a new computer, digital interior displays, updated docking equipment, and the vehicle's total mass
1040-419: Is jettisoned early in flight. Equipped with an automated docking system, the spacecraft can operate autonomously or under manual control. The Vostok spacecraft used an ejector seat to bail out the cosmonaut in the event of a low-altitude launch failure, as well as during reentry; however, it would probably have been ineffective in the first 20 seconds after liftoff, when the altitude would be too low for
1105-659: The Igla automatic docking navigation system, which required special radar antennas. This first generation encompassed the original Soyuz 7K-OK and the Soyuz 7K-OKS for docking with the Salyut 1 space station. The probe and drogue docking system permitted internal transfer of cosmonauts from the Soyuz to the station. The Soyuz 7K-L1 was designed to launch a crew from the Earth to circle
1170-412: The International Space Station (ISS). Soyuz TMA (A: Russian : антропометрический , romanized : antropometricheskii , lit. ' anthropometric ') features several changes to accommodate requirements requested by NASA in order to service the International Space Station (ISS), including more latitude in the height and weight of the crew and improved parachute systems. It
1235-536: The Moon , and was the primary hope for a Soviet circumlunar flight. It had several test flights in the Zond program from 1967–1970 ( Zond 4 to Zond 8 ), which produced multiple failures in the 7K-L1's reentry systems. The remaining 7K-L1s were scrapped. The Soyuz 7K-L3 was designed and developed in parallel to the Soyuz 7K-L1, but was also scrapped. Soyuz 1 was plagued with technical issues, and cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov
1300-612: The Andes Mountains in Chile. Hatches between the Soyuz TMA-21 and the ISS were opened at 2:13 UTC on April 7. The three Soyuz crew members floated into the ISS. They were welcomed aboard for a crew greeting ceremony and a mandatory safety orientation by Expedition 27 Commander Dmitry Kondratyev and Flight Engineers Catherine Coleman and Paolo Nespoli. The Soyuz TMA-21 crew had been due to come back on September 8 but its return
1365-508: The ISS simulator and their backup crew of Shkaplerov, Ivanishin and Burbank were tested in the Soyuz mockup. On the next day, the crews were swapped and examined. The two groups of crews passed the exams after solving all the tasks for which they were examined. Anatoly Perminov, the head of Roscosmos hosted the traditional tea-party with Soyuz TMA-21 prime and backup crews on March 11. On March 17, cosmonauts and astronauts left GCTC for Baikonur. On March 19, Roscosmos Board gave its final approval of
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#17327868153051430-647: The ISS. Progress M-12M was due to dock with the aft port of the Zvezda module of the International Space Station at around 14:40 UTC on 26 August 2011, just over two days after launch. It would have remained docked for six months, before undocking on 5 March 2012. Progress M-12M was carrying 2,670 kilograms (5,890 lb) of cargo to the International Space Station. This included 420 kilograms (930 lb) of water, 50 kilograms (110 lb) of oxygen, and 996 kilograms (2,196 lb) of fuel. Of
1495-712: The Soviet Union's dissolution, Roscosmos , the Russian space agency, continued to develop and utilize the Soyuz. Between the Space Shuttle's 2011 retirement and the SpaceX Crew Dragon 's 2020 debut, Soyuz was the sole means of crewed transportation to and from the International Space Station, a role it continues to fulfill. The Soyuz design has also influenced other spacecraft, including China's Shenzhou and Russia's Progress cargo vehicle. The Soyuz
1560-740: The Soyuz spacecraft. Its maiden flight was in July 2016 with mission Soyuz MS-01 . Major changes include: The uncrewed Progress spacecraft are derived from Soyuz and are used for servicing space stations. While not being direct derivatives of Soyuz, the Chinese Shenzhou spacecraft uses Soyuz TM technology sold in 1984 and the Indian Orbital Vehicle follows the same general layout as that pioneered by Soyuz. Progress M-12M Progress M-12M ( Russian : Прогресс М-12М ), identified by NASA as Progress 44P ,
1625-636: The Technical Management on Human Space System Flight Testing reported an operational glitch of the Kvant-V equipment. The Kvant-V system resides in the Instrumentation Propulsion Module – one of the three modules that make the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft. On March 13, Roscosmos Board held a meeting to discuss the issue and delayed the launch from March 30, 2011. The glitch was traced back to a faulty part (capacitor) in
1690-461: The bottom consists of "21mm to 28mm thick ablator (glass-phenolic composite) which is held by brackets approximately 15mm from the 3.5mm thick aluminum AMg-6 substrate. VIM low-density silica fibrous insulation (8mm thick) is contained in the gap between the heat shield ablator and aluminum substrate." At the back of the vehicle is the service module (Russian: прибо́рно-агрега́тный отсе́к , romanized : pribórno-agregátny otsék ). It has
1755-577: The cargo consisted of twelve scientific experiments to be performed aboard the station. Progress M-12M was launched by a Soyuz-U carrier rocket, flying from Area 1/5 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome . Liftoff occurred at 13:00:11 UTC on 24 August 2011. Approximately 325 seconds into flight, a malfunction was detected in the RD-0110 engine powering the Blok I third stage of the Soyuz-U rocket, which caused
1820-466: The connection between the service and reentry modules on the latter two flights. The Soyuz uses a method similar to the 1970s-era United States Apollo command and service module to deorbit itself. The spacecraft is turned engine-forward, and the main engine is fired for deorbiting on the far side of Earth ahead of its planned landing site. This requires the least propellant for reentry ; the spacecraft travels on an elliptical Hohmann transfer orbit to
1885-694: The crew, including letters, parcels and cameras. Of this, 37 kilograms (82 lb) was for the entire crew, and the remaining 102 kilograms (225 lb) was for the Russian crewmembers only. Equipment to be installed in the various modules of the ISS was also aboard the Progress, with 31 kilograms (68 lb) to be installed in the Zarya module, 10 kilograms (22 lb) for Pirs , 77 kilograms (170 lb) for Rassvet , and 367 kilograms (809 lb) for installation in US modules. A further 38 kilograms (84 lb) of
1950-499: The crews to go through training at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft launched on schedule from the Baikonur Cosmodrome 's Gagarin's Start launch pad in Kazakhstan , at 23:18:20 UTC on April 4, 2011. Souyz Commander Samokutyaev was launched from the Soyuz's center seat with flight engineer Borisenko strapped in to his left and NASA astronaut Ronald Garan on his right. The Soyuz-FG rocket followed
2015-644: The descent back to Earth . The ship also has a system of low-thrust engines for orientation, attached to the intermediate compartment ( perekhodnoi otsek ). Outside the service module are the sensors for the orientation system and the solar array, which is oriented towards the Sun by rotating the ship. An incomplete separation between the service and reentry modules led to emergency situations during Soyuz 5 , Soyuz TMA-10 and Soyuz TMA-11 , which led to an incorrect reentry orientation (crew ingress hatch first). The failure of several explosive bolts did not cut
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2080-400: The descent module is covered by a heat-resistant covering to protect it during reentry ; this half faces forward during reentry. It is slowed initially by the atmosphere, then by a braking parachute, followed by the main parachute, which slows the craft for landing. At one meter above the ground, solid-fuel braking engines mounted behind the heat shield are fired to give a soft landing. One of
2145-532: The descent module led to it having only two-man crews after the death of the Soyuz ;11 crew. The later Soyuz-T spacecraft solved this issue. Internal volume of Soyuz SA is 4 m (140 cu ft); 2.5 m (88 cu ft) is usable for crew (living space). The thermal protection system on the slightly conical side walls is stood off from the structure to also provide micrometeoroid protection in orbit. The slightly curved heat shield on
2210-584: The deserts of Kazakhstan in Central Asia. This is in contrast to the early United States crewed spacecraft and the current SpaceX Crew Dragon, which splash down in the ocean. The Soyuz spacecraft has been the subject of continuous evolution since the early 1960s. Thus several different versions, proposals and projects exist. Sergei Korolev initially promoted the Soyuz A-B-V circumlunar complex ( 7K-9K-11K ) concept (also known as L1 ) in which
2275-475: The design requirements for the descent module was for it to have the highest possible volumetric efficiency (internal volume divided by hull area). The best shape for this is a sphere – as the pioneering Vostok spacecraft's descent module used – but such a shape can provide no lift, resulting in a purely ballistic reentry . Ballistic reentries are hard on the occupants due to high deceleration and cannot be steered beyond their initial deorbit burn. Thus it
2340-431: The docking collar needed to attach to Mir . The risk of not being able to separate the orbital module is effectively judged to be less than the risk of needing the facilities in it, including the toilet, following a failed deorbit. The descent module (Russian: Спуска́емый Аппара́т , romanized : spuskáyemy apparát ), also known as a reentry capsule, is used for launch and the journey back to Earth. Half of
2405-562: The end of Expedition 28 , and returned to Earth on September 16, 2011. The launch of Soyuz TMA-21 was devoted to the 50th anniversary of the first crewed space mission, which was conducted by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961. The COSPAR International ID of Soyuz TMA-21 is 2011-012A. In December 2010, the Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Anatoly Perminov approved the patch of the Soyuz TMA-21 mission. The patch
2470-504: The entire payload shroud from the Soyuz service module cleanly, the decision was made to have the shroud split between the service module and descent module during an abort. Four folding stabilizers were added to improve aerodynamic stability during ascent. Two test runs of the SAS were carried out in 1966–1967. The basic design of the SAS has remained almost unchanged in 50 years of use, and all Soyuz launches carry it. The only modification
2535-411: The entry interface point, where atmospheric drag slows it enough to fall out of orbit. Early Soyuz spacecraft would then have the service and orbital modules detach simultaneously from the descent module. As they are connected by tubing and electrical cables to the descent module, this would aid in their separation and avoid having the descent module alter its orientation. Later Soyuz spacecraft detached
2600-458: The equipment. Russian Space Agency Roscosmos established a working group with representatives from RSC-Energia and TSNIImash, the manufacturers and developers of the Soyuz systems. Proposals of the working group were considered during an additional General Designers’ Review led by RSC-Energia president Vitaly Lopota. After analyzing the submitted data by the Review, Roscosmos decided to set April 4 as
2665-446: The fuel, 746 kilograms (1,645 lb) would have been used to refuel the ISS, and the remaining 250 kilograms would have been expended by the Progress spacecraft whilst docked, in its three reboost manoeuvres. The spacecraft also contained 1,204 kilograms (2,654 lb) of dry cargo, which consisted of parts for the station's air, water, power, lighting and thermal regulation systems, its control panels, and power supply system. Amongst
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2730-602: The late 1980s. This guaranteed that the descent module and orbital module would be separated before the descent module was placed in a reentry trajectory. However, after the problematic landing of Soyuz TM-5 in September 1988 this procedure was changed, and the orbital module is now separated after the return maneuver. This change was made as the TM-5 crew could not deorbit for 24 hours after they jettisoned their orbital module, which contained their sanitation facilities and
2795-409: The life-critical descent module. The convention of orientation in a micro-g environment differs from that of the descent module, as crew members stand or sit with their heads to the docking port. Also the rescue of the crew whilst on the launch pad or with the SAS system is complicated because of the orbital module. Separation of the orbital module is critical for a safe landing; without separation of
2860-576: The new launch date. The Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft arrived at Baikonur Cosmodrome on February 9, 2011. On the same day, the RSC-Energia technicians, tested the spacecraft's Kurs system. Roscosmos' Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) hosted a two-day exam session for the prime and backup crews of Soyuz TMA-21 on March 4–5. On March 4, the prime crew of Samokutyayev, Borisenko and Garan were tested through integrated training in
2925-477: The onboard computer to terminate the flight through thrust termination . As a result, the vehicle failed to achieve orbit, reentering over the Altai Republic region of Russia . It was the first failure of a Progress spacecraft since launches began in 1978, and the third consecutive orbital launch failure worldwide, following the failures of Ekspress-AM4 and Shijian XI-04 less than a week prior. As
2990-419: The orbital module before firing the main engine, which saved propellant. Since the Soyuz TM-5 landing issue, the orbital module is once again detached only after the reentry firing, which led to (but did not cause) emergency situations of Soyuz TMA-10 and TMA-11 . The orbital module cannot remain in orbit as an addition to a space station, as the airlock hatch between the orbital and reentry modules
3055-422: The orbital module, it is not possible for the crew to survive landing in the descent module. This is because the orbital module would interfere with proper deployment of the descent module's parachutes, and the extra mass exceeds the capability of the main parachute and braking engines to provide a safe soft-landing speed. In view of this, the orbital module was separated before the ignition of the return engine until
3120-515: The parachute to deploy. Inspired by the Mercury LES, Soviet designers began work on a similar system in 1962. This included developing a complex sensing system to monitor various launch-vehicle parameters and trigger an abort if a booster malfunction occurred. Based on data from R-7 launches over the years, engineers developed a list of the most likely failure modes for the vehicle and could narrow down abort conditions to premature separation of
3185-500: The program's first successful crewed mission.The program suffered another fatal setback during Soyuz 11 , where cabin depressurization during reentry killed the entire crew. These are the only humans to date who are known to have died above the Kármán line , the conventional definition of the edge of space. Despite these early tragedies, Soyuz has earned a reputation as one of the safest and most cost-effective human spaceflight vehicles,
3250-457: The rest of the cargo was a further 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) of spare parts, 94 kilograms (207 lb) of hygiene supplies, 17 kilograms (37 lb) of protective equipment for the crew, 267 kilograms (589 lb) of food and 66 kilograms (146 lb) of medical and personal hygiene supplies, including air purification systems and new clothes for the crew. The spacecraft would also have delivered 139 kilograms (306 lb) of personal supplies for
3315-459: The search for the capsule. Samokutyayev was the first to be extracted out of the Soyuz descent module, followed by Garan and Borisenko. All three appeared relaxed and in good health as they rested in recliners near the descent module. After quick medical examinations inside a nearby erected tent, the crew were flown to Karaganda for an official welcome home ceremony. From there Samokutyaev and Borisenko flew to Star City near Moscow while Garan boarded
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#17327868153053380-418: The solar panels's place. It was developed out of the military Soyuz concepts studied in previous years and was capable of carrying 2 cosmonauts with Sokol space suits (after the Soyuz 11 accident). Several models were planned, but none actually flew in space. These versions were named Soyuz P , Soyuz PPK , Soyuz R , Soyuz 7K-VI , and Soyuz OIS (Orbital Research Station). The Soyuz 7K-T/A9 version
3445-467: The spacecraft is the orbital module (Russian: бытовой отсек , romanized: bytovoi otsek ), also known as habitation section. It houses all the equipment that will not be needed for reentry, such as experiments, cameras or cargo. The module also contains a toilet, docking avionics and communications gear. Internal volume is 6 m (210 cu ft), living space is 5 m (180 cu ft). On later Soyuz versions (since Soyuz TM),
3510-520: The spacecraft's weight by minimizing the amount of heat shielding required. As a result, Soyuz offers more habitable interior space (7.5 cubic metres, 260 cubic feet) compared to its Apollo counterpart (6.3 m , 220 cu ft). While the reentry module does return to Earth, it is not reusable, a new Soyuz spacecraft must be made for every mission. Soyuz can carry up to three crew members and provide life support for about 30 person-days . A payload fairing protects Soyuz during launch and
3575-550: The weightlessness of space. "Launch was great, and we are in orbit and we are doing great," said Samokutyaev after the launch. Replying back the Moscow Mission Control said "This is a great anniversary flight, and have a great one". The Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on April 6 at 23:09 UTC. The docking to the Poisk module occurred as the two spacecraft were orbiting over
3640-419: Was aborted after escape-tower jettison. In 1983, Soyuz T-10a's SAS successfully rescued the cosmonauts from an on-pad fire and explosion of the launch vehicle. Most recently, in 2018, the SAS sub-system in the payload shroud of Soyuz MS-10 successfully rescued the cosmonauts from a rocket failure 2 minutes and 45 seconds after liftoff, after the escape tower had already been jettisoned. The forepart of
3705-603: Was an uncrewed Progress spacecraft that was lost in a launch failure on 24 August 2011, at the start of a mission to resupply the International Space Station . It was the twelfth modernised Progress-M spacecraft to be launched. Manufactured by RKK Energia , the spacecraft was to have been operated by the Russian Federal Space Agency . Progress M-12M's planned mission had included resupplying ISS with 2670 kg of supplies, including oxygen, food and fuel. The planned mission also included three reboosts to
3770-401: Was decided to go with the "headlight" shape that the Soyuz uses – a hemispherical upper area joined by a barely angled (seven degrees) conical section to a classic spherical section heat shield. This shape allows a small amount of lift to be generated due to the unequal weight distribution. The nickname was thought up at a time when nearly every headlight was circular. The small dimensions of
3835-469: Was delayed due to the crash of the Progress M-12M on August 24. The Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station on September 16, 2011 at 00:38 UTC. Due to an apparent communications malfunction, voice communications from the crew were lost shortly after the deorbit burn, prompting some tense moments on the ground, but otherwise the reentry and descent went perfectly. There
3900-471: Was designed based on a drawing by young artist Marciel Santos Kayle, a 12-year-old from French Guiana . According to a Roscosmos news release, Marciel's sketch was chosen for the crew patch, since it depicts Gagarin and his crew vehicle Vostok. The spacecraft will fly a drawing of Gagarin, and, apart from being called Gagarin, it will also be written on the spacecraft. During the launch processing in March 2011,
3965-521: Was in 1972, when the aerodynamic fairing over the SAS motor nozzles was removed for weight-saving reasons, as the redesigned Soyuz 7K-T spacecraft carried extra life-support equipment. The uncrewed Progress resupply ferry has a dummy escape tower and removes the stabilizer fins from the payload shroud. There have been three failed launches of a crewed Soyuz vehicle: Soyuz 18a in 1975, Soyuz T-10a in 1983 and Soyuz MS-10 in October 2018. The 1975 failure
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#17327868153054030-646: Was killed when the spacecraft crashed during its return to Earth. This was the first in-flight fatality in the history of spaceflight . The next crewed version of the Soyuz was the Soyuz 7K-OKS . It was designed for space station flights and had a docking port that allowed internal transfer between spacecraft. The Soyuz 7K-OKS had two crewed flights, both in 1971. Soyuz 11 , the second flight, depressurized upon reentry, killing its three-man crew. The second generation, called Soyuz Ferry or Soyuz 7K-T , comprised Soyuz 12 through Soyuz 40 (1973–1981). It did not have solar arrays. Two long, skinny antennas were put in
4095-485: Was no immediate explanation for the communications drop out. Soyuz Commander Aleksandr Samokutyayev and Flight Engineers Andrei Borisenko and Ronald Garan returned to Earth on September 16, 2011 at 03:59 UTC, landing on target in central Kazakhstan. Russian search and rescue teams, along with NASA flight surgeons and space station program managers, were standing by to help the Soyuz crew. Three Antonov airplanes, 14 Mil Mi-8 helicopters, and seven rescue vehicles took part in
4160-480: Was reduced by 70 kilograms. The new version debuted on 7 October 2010 with the launch of Soyuz TMA-01M , carrying the ISS Expedition 25 crew. The Soyuz TMA-08M mission set a new record for the fastest crewed docking with a space station. The mission used a new six-hour rendezvous, faster than the previous Soyuz launches, which had, since 1986, taken two days. Soyuz MS is the final planned upgrade of
4225-752: Was used for the flights to the military Almaz space station. Soyuz 7K-TM was the spacecraft used in the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975, which saw the first and only docking of a Soyuz spacecraft with an Apollo command and service module . It was also flown in 1976 for the Earth-science mission, Soyuz 22 . Soyuz 7K-TM served as a technological bridge to the third generation. The third generation Soyuz-T (T: Russian : транспортный , romanized : transportnyi , lit. 'transport') spacecraft (1976–1986) featured solar panels again, allowing longer missions,
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