Author
|
Topic: [ISS] Debris avoidance maneuver and Soyuz loss
|
Fezman92 Member Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-08-2013 09:32 AM
I was wondering what would be the plan if there was an unforeseen issue that compromised the hull integrity of one of the docked Soyuz sometime between Expeditions and the space station had to do a debris avoidance maneuver (or some other event that causes the crew to go to the Soyuz). I know that when they do the maneuvers the crew goes into the two Soyuz. What would they do with three of the crew members? Would they launch a Progress up to the station and how long would that take? I know the chances of this occurring are nearly impossible but what would happen? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 03-08-2013 09:44 AM
The crew only enters the Soyuz if there is not enough time to perform a debris avoidance maneuver. They take shelter in the Soyuz if there is a chance of evacuation, which a debris avoidance maneuver averts. Beginning with Soyuz TMA-08M (launching March 28), a Soyuz can be launched and docked with the space station on the same day (six-hour, four-orbit rendezvous). That of course, requires a Soyuz to be ready to launch — and two Soyuz would be needed to return the three crew members, given the need for at least one pilot aboard during launch. |
Fezman92 Member Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-08-2013 09:56 AM
If there isn't a Souyz ready to be launched then would they just wait for the next Expedition right? Or is it possible to modify a Progress before then? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 03-08-2013 10:10 AM
A Progress, while sharing some similar systems, cannot be converted into a Soyuz nor is it designed to survive reentry.But it wouldn't necessarily mean waiting for the next expedition. Russia at any given time has two Soyuz in preparation, and depending on when the incident occurred, might be in the position to accelerate the launch schedule. |
Fezman92 Member Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-08-2013 10:34 AM
Thanks for all of this. It was just something that I thought of a while ago. Hope that this never has to be implemented. |