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Author
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Topic: Six Dead So Far in Baikonur Cosmodrome Hangar Roof Collapse (AP)
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42985
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-13-2002 11:39 AM
   
From the Associated Press:"Rescuers pulled six bodies from a mass of mangled beams at Russia's main space launch site and searched for two other workers feared dead Monday after the towering hangar roof they were standing on collapsed." "...the building was used for assembling Energia booster rockets and the Buran, the Soviet copy of the U.S. space shuttle that only flew once in the late 1980s before the program was abandoned for lack of funds. A full-scale test model of the Buran was trapped beneath debris after Sunday's collapse, Russian space agency spokesman Konstantin." The full article can be read here: http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/baikonur_roof_020513.html I happened to be in that building (Building 112) just two weeks ago, as part of my trip to see Mark Shuttleworth launch to the International Space Station. I haven't seen many photographs posted to the net, so I thought I would share a few (pre-collapse):    |
Cliff Lentz
Member Posts: 655
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 05-13-2002 12:30 PM
Maybe this is a wakeup call for the VAB. I understand the roof is in desperate need of repair. They seem to be avoiding spending the money, but what if an assembled shuttle with those volatile solid boosters was sitting in the VAB and something like this happened!Robert, right on top of everything as usual! |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 05-13-2002 01:47 PM
Are those photos from your trip or some older ones? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42985
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-13-2002 02:06 PM
These pictures are from my most recent trip with Space Adventures. They were taken hours before the launch of Soyuz TM-34, on April 25, 2002. |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 05-13-2002 02:48 PM
Why do they still have a stacked Buran/Energia sitting around? Nowhere to put it?
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42985
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-13-2002 02:52 PM
That was the Buran which made their one and only successful flight. It was mothballed inside this hanger until funds could bring the program back to life.[This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited May 13, 2002).] |
Werb
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 05-13-2002 03:03 PM
Thanks for sharing the photos Robert! Yeah it looks as if the Buran is kaput. Well at least you can say that you were there, and saw it before the tragedy. It's always a shame when loss of life is involved in a situation. With any luck this will be a wake- up call to people, and safety will be high on the list again..... whether it be in structure assessment, or otherwise. From The Last Frontier........... Mike
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Aztecdoug
Member Posts: 1405
From: Huntington Beach
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 05-13-2002 04:47 PM
Robert,Your pictures are absolutely striking. That hanger looks remarkable. Unbelievable that it could collapse. It looks so stout. Certainly a tragedy on many levels. I pray for the victims and their families. ------------------
Warm Regards Douglas Henry Enjoy yourself and have fun.... it is only a hobby! |
CPIA
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 05-13-2002 06:20 PM
Robert,Based upon your visit to the site, do you think this might delay the ISS launches? Were the Proton boosters assembled in or near this building? Those pictures are excellent. Larry McGlynn |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42985
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-13-2002 06:30 PM
This collapse, other than employee morale, should have no effect on ISS operations. As far as I am aware, the only use of Building 112 was for Energia/Buran operations. Soyuz operations are housed elsewhere (Building 254, if memory serves correctly). Protons are also housed at a differently facility, though I do not remember where. |
Cindys_1
Member Posts: 192
From: Titusville, FL 32796
Registered: May 2001
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posted 05-13-2002 08:10 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
I happened to be in that building (Building 112) just two weeks ago, as part of my trip to see Mark Shuttleworth launch to the International Space Station. I haven't seen many photographs posted to the net, so I thought I would share a few (pre-collapse):
Pictures??
What Pictures??
My Internet connection won't allow me to see them.... 
I'll try again when the Internet is not so busy......
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Cindy
[This message has been edited by collectSPACE Admin (edited May 13, 2002).] |
Cindys_1
Member Posts: 192
From: Titusville, FL 32796
Registered: May 2001
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posted 05-13-2002 08:11 PM
Nevermind!I got them to come through some how..... Yes they are good!
 ) ------------------
Cindy |
Ed beck
Member Posts: 227
From: Florida
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 05-13-2002 08:55 PM
Thank you for sharing this Robert. It is indeed tragic when there is a loss of life in something like this.
As I understand it, isn't this the same hanger that the N-1 moon rocket was assembled? Have you seen any of its components? Last I heard none were on display. I must say that it has been a while since I looked into it. What is this I hear about the VAB needing a roof job? Maybe there is something we the people can do, call or write your congrssman perhaps? Just a thought? Ed
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" I collect space, in order to fill the space between my ears."
ME |
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