SOYUZ SPACECRAFT
Source: Hindustan Times
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
A Soyuz craft with 2 Russians and 1 American docks at the International Space Station.
What Is the Soyuz Spacecraft?
- The Soyuz is a Russian spacecraftthat carries people and supplies to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
- It can carry up to three people.
- It also delivers food and water to the crew on the space station.
- The Soyuz serves as a lifeboat—if there's an emergency on the space station, the crew can use the Soyuz to return to Earth.
Background
- Soyuz, a series of spacecraft in service since the 1960s, has completed over 140 flights.
- The first unmanned mission, Kosmos 133, was launched in 1966.
- The first crewed mission, Soyuz 1, in 1967, ended in tragedy when cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov died due to a parachute failure.
- After the Soviet Union's dissolution, Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, continued developing and using Soyuz.
What Are the Parts of the Soyuz?
- Soyuz Capsule: This sits on top of the Soyuz rocket and has three parts:
- Orbital Module: Where the crew lives while in orbit.
- Descent Module: Where the crew sits during launch and landing.
- Life Support Module: This holds the life support systems like oxygen and batteries.
- Soyuz Rocket: This powerful rocket launches the Soyuz capsule into space.
- After launch, the rocket separates and returns to Earth, while the capsule continues to the space station.
How Does the Soyuz Launch and Land?
- The Soyuz launches from Kazakhstanand takes about six hours to reach the space station.
- When returning to Earth, the Soyuz uses parachutesand small rocket engines to slow down.
- It lands on the grassy plainsof Kazakhstan, taking about 3 1/2 hours to return after leaving the space station.
Major Space Stations
Feature |
International Space Station (ISS) |
Mir |
Tiangong |
Skylab |
Salyut |
Country |
International (USA, Russia, ESA, Japan, Canada) |
Russia |
China |
USA |
Russia |
Operational Period |
1998 – present |
1986 – 2001 |
2021 – present (Tiangong) |
1973 – 1979 |
1971 – 1986 |
Primary Purpose |
Research in space science, technology |
Long-term habitation and research |
Scientific research, technology testing |
Research on space adaptation |
Early space science research |
Size |
~109 meters (length) |
~19 meters (length) |
~22 meters (length) |
~25 meters (length) |
~15 meters (length) |
Crew Capacity |
Up to 6 (permanent crew) |
Up to 6 |
Up to 3 |
Up to 3 |
Up to 3 |
Unique Features |
Largest artificial object in space, multinational collaboration |
First modular space station |
Modular design, new technology for long-term stays |
First US space station |
First space station program |
Must read on ISS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/international-space-station-32
Sources:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q:In the context of International Space Station (ISS), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 2 only d) 1 and 2 only Answer: a Explanation: 1st statement is correct: The ISS orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes, at an altitude of around 400 kilometers, traveling at a speed of roughly 28,000 kilometers per hour. 2nd statement is incorrect: Russia launched the first segment of the International Space Station (ISS), known as the Zarya Control Module. 3rd statement is correct: The ISS was originally built to operate for 15 years. The space station has already surpassed that checkpoint with plans to continue operations till 2030. |