How does the Soyuz Launch work? (and Reentry)

Summary

This video provides a detailed look at the Soyuz rocket and spacecraft, showcasing their launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It covers the journey into space, from the preparations and launch procedure to the Soyuz spacecraft's docking with the International Space Station (ISS). The video also explores the return process, including the crew's re-entry and landing on Earth. Presented by Jared Owen, the video highlights the various stages of the mission, providing insight into the Soyuz spacecraft's design and function, all while featuring expert commentary from astronauts and supported by engaging animations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft capable of carrying three crew members to space, launched by the Soyuz rocket.
• 😀 The launch site for Soyuz rockets is the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, a legacy from the Soviet Union era.
• 😀 Launching near the Equator provides a speed boost due to Earth's rotation, which is why Russia launches from Kazakhstan rather than its own territory.
• 😀 The Soyuz rocket is 50 meters tall, and the spacecraft is hidden inside a protective launch shroud at the top.
• 😀 The Soyuz rocket has three stages: four side boosters, a central block, and a smaller block at the top, with engines for thrust and steering.
• 😀 The launch escape tower is an essential safety feature that can save lives in case of an emergency during the launch.
• 😀 Before launch, the rocket is carefully prepared, with fuel filling, astronaut suits, and last-minute checks. Crew members wear cooling units and enter the spacecraft two hours before liftoff.
• 😀 The Soyuz spacecraft is designed for crew members to experience weightlessness, and all operations inside the spacecraft are in Russian, requiring fluent language skills.
• 😀 The rocket launch is automated but requires the crew to be ready in case of emergencies. The first stage is completed within two minutes, and the rocket accelerates to high speeds.
• 😀 The Soyuz spacecraft docks to the International Space Station (ISS) after reaching orbit. After six months, the crew returns to Earth using the descent module, which re-enters the atmosphere and lands in Kazakhstan.
• 😀 The return process involves a deorbit burn, parachutes, and soft landing thrusters to ensure the crew's safe landing, with recovery teams waiting nearby.

Q & A

Why does Russia launch rockets from Kazakhstan instead of Russia?

Russia launches rockets from Kazakhstan due to historical reasons—the Baikonur Cosmodrome was built when both Russia and Kazakhstan were part of the Soviet Union. Additionally, launching closer to the Equator provides a speed boost due to Earth's rotation, which is more beneficial for rockets launched from Kazakhstan compared to Russia's location.

What is the purpose of the Soyuz launch escape tower?

The Soyuz launch escape tower is a safety feature designed to protect the crew in case of an emergency during launch. If something goes wrong, the tower will lift the spacecraft away from the launchpad and then use additional rocket engines to move it to safety, ensuring the crew's survival.

How does the Soyuz spacecraft become weightless after launch?

After the Soyuz rocket completes its stages and separates from the spacecraft, the crew experiences weightlessness as they enter free-fall. At this point, the spacecraft's solar panels and antennas deploy, and the crew begins to float, experiencing zero gravity.

How long does it take for the Soyuz spacecraft to return to Earth after undocking from the ISS?

It takes about three and a half hours for the Soyuz spacecraft to return to Earth after undocking from the ISS. This includes a series of steps such as deorbiting, re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, and the final landing.

What is the 'Korolev Cross' in the Soyuz launch sequence?

The 'Korolev Cross' refers to the moment during Soyuz launch when the side boosters, after burning through their fuel, detach from the central core. This creates a cross-like shape in the sky, which can be seen from the ground.

What is the significance of the Soyuz spacecraft's heat shield during re-entry?

The heat shield on the Soyuz spacecraft protects the crew during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. It absorbs the heat generated by atmospheric friction, allowing the descent module to withstand the extreme temperatures of re-entry, which can reach thousands of degrees Celsius.

What happens to the Soyuz spacecraft's orbital and service modules after they separate during re-entry?

After separation, the orbital and service modules burn up in Earth's atmosphere. This is because they are filled with trash and are not needed for the crew's return, while the descent module, which holds the crew, is designed to survive the re-entry process.

How does the Soyuz spacecraft slow down during its descent to Earth?

The Soyuz spacecraft uses a combination of small thrusters and parachutes to slow down during its descent. The thrusters help steer the descent module through the atmosphere, while parachutes, including pilot and drogue chutes, help further slow the spacecraft to ensure a safe landing.

What role does the Sokol spacesuit play during Soyuz missions?

The Sokol spacesuit is worn by the crew members for protection during launch, in-flight emergencies, and landing. It helps maintain pressure around the crew's body in case of cabin depressurization and provides temperature regulation, oxygen supply, and waste removal functions.

What is the significance of the 'zero-G indicator' in the Soyuz spacecraft?

The 'zero-G indicator' is typically a toy or stuffed animal that is placed inside the Soyuz spacecraft. It acts as a visual reminder of the crew's transition to weightlessness after launch. The indicator floats in zero gravity, confirming the onset of weightlessness for the crew.