Soyuz-U2

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Soyuz-U2
FunctionOrbital carrier rocket
Manufacturer Samara Progress
Country of origin Soviet Union
Size
Height34.54 metres (113.3 ft)
Diameter2.95 metres (9 ft 8 in)
Mass297,800 kilograms (656,500 lb)
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass7,050 kilograms (15,540 lb)
Associated rockets
Family R-7 (Soyuz)
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sites LC-1/5 & 31/6, Baikonur
Total launches72
Success(es)72
Failure(s)0
First flight23 December 1982
Last flight3 September 1995
Notable payloads Soyuz crew
Progress cargo
Zenit, Orlets spy satellites
Gamma telescope

The Soyuz-U2 (GRAU index 11A511U2) was a Soviet, later Russian, carrier rocket. It was derived from the Soyuz-U, and a member of the R-7 family of rockets. It featured increased performance compared with the baseline Soyuz-U, due to the use of syntin propellant, as opposed to RP-1 paraffin, used on the Soyuz-U. [1]

The increased payload of the Soyuz-U2 allowed heavier spacecraft to be launched, while lighter spacecraft could be placed in higher orbits, compared to those launched by Soyuz-U rockets. In 1996, it was announced that the Soyuz-U2 had been retired, as the performance advantage gained through the use of syntin did not justify the additional cost of its production. The final flight, Soyuz TM-22, occurred on 3 September 1995 from Gagarin's Start in Baikonur.

The Soyuz-U2 was first used to launch four Zenit reconnaissance satellites, then it delivered crewed Soyuz spacecraft to space stations Salyut 7 and Mir: missions Soyuz T-12 to T-15 and Soyuz TM-1 to TM-22. It also supplied the stations with Progress cargo spacecraft: Progress 20 to Salyut 7, Progress 25 to 42 to Mir, followed by the new generation Progress M-1 to M-18 and finally M-23. Other missions included the Gamma telescope and three Orlets reconnaissance satellites. In total, Soyuz-U2 was launched 72 times and experienced no failures over its operational lifetime. [2] [3]

See also

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Soyuz-U

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Soyuz-FG Launch vehicle

The Soyuz-FG launch vehicle was an improved version of the Soyuz-U from the R-7 family of rockets, designed and constructed by TsSKB-Progress in Samara, Russia. Guidance, navigation, and control system was developed and manufactured by "Polisvit" Special Design Bureau.

Progress 7K-TG

Progress 7K-TG, was a Soviet uncrewed spacecraft used to resupply space stations in low Earth orbit. Forty three flew, delivering cargo to Salyut 6, Salyut 7, and Mir. It was the first version of the Progress spacecraft to fly, and spawned later derivatives including the Progress-M which replaced it, and the later Progress-M1.

Progress M-13 was a Russian uncrewed cargo spacecraft which was launched in 1992 to resupply the Mir space station. The thirty-first of sixty four Progress spacecraft to visit Mir, it used the Progress-M 11F615A55 configuration, and had the serial number 214. It carried supplies including food, water and oxygen for the EO-11 crew aboard Mir, as well as equipment for conducting scientific research, and fuel for adjusting the station's orbit and performing manoeuvres.

Progress M-17 was a Russian uncrewed cargo spacecraft which was launched in 1993 to resupply the Mir space station. The thirty-fifth of sixty-four Progress spacecraft to visit Mir, it used the Progress-M 11F615A55 configuration, and had the serial number 217. In addition to delivering cargo, Progress M-17 was also used to demonstrate extended duration Progress missions; remaining in orbit for almost a year with a docked phase lasting 132 days.

Progress M-18 was a Russian cargo uncrewed spacecraft which was launched in 1993 to resupply the Mir space station. The thirty-sixth of sixty four Progress spacecraft to visit Mir, it used the Progress-M 11F615A55 configuration, and had the serial number 218. It carried supplies including food, water and oxygen for the EO-13 crew aboard Mir, as well as equipment for conducting scientific research, and fuel for adjusting the station's orbit and performing manoeuvres.

Progress 2

Progress 2 was an unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union in 1978 to resupply the Salyut 6 space station. It used the Progress 7K-TG configuration, and was the second Progress mission to Salyut 6. It carried supplies for the EO-2 crew aboard Salyut 6, as well as equipment for conducting scientific research, and fuel for adjusting the station's orbit and performing manoeuvres.

Progress 3

Progress 3 was an unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union in 1978 to resupply the Salyut 6 space station. It used the Progress 7K-TG configuration, and was the third Progress mission to Salyut 6. It carried supplies for the EO-2 crew aboard Salyut 6, as well as equipment for conducting scientific research, and fuel for adjusting the station's orbit and performing manoeuvres.

Progress 4

Progress 4, was a Progress cargo spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union in 1978 to resupply the Salyut 6 space station. It used the Progress 7K-TG configuration and was the fourth Progress mission to Salyut 6. It carried supplies aboard Salyut 6, as well as equipment for conducting scientific research, and fuel for adjusting the station's orbit and performing manoeuvres.

Progress M-32

Progress M-32 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in July 1996 to resupply the Mir space station.

Progress M-35

Progress M-35 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in July 1997 to resupply the Mir space station.

Progress M-37

Progress M-37 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in December 1997 to resupply the Mir space station.

Progress M-39

Progress M-39 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in May 1998 to resupply the Mir space station.

Progress M-41

Progress M-41 was a Russian unmanned Progress cargo spacecraft, which was launched in April 1999 to resupply the Mir space station and carry the Sputnik 99 satellite.

References

  1. ↑ Wade, Mark. "Soyuz 11A511U2". Encyclopedia Astronautica . Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  2. ↑ Krebs, Gunter. "Soyuz-U2 (11A511U2)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  3. ↑ McDowell, Jonathan. "R-7 family". Launch Lists. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 2008-12-24.


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