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  [ISS] Debris avoidance maneuver and Soyuz loss

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Author Topic:   [ISS] Debris avoidance maneuver and Soyuz loss
Fezman92
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Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted 03-08-2013 09:32 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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
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Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 03-08-2013 09:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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
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Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted 03-08-2013 09:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for all of this. It was just something that I thought of a while ago. Hope that this never has to be implemented.

All times are CT (US)

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