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Soyuz
Jul 6, 2010 1:17:56 GMT -4
Post by bazbear on Jul 6, 2010 1:17:56 GMT -4
I've just read that (until Soyuz 2 comes online anyway) Soyuz launch vehicles can't perform a roll maneuver after liftoff? I just want to know if this is true. Not that it matters, the "old analog girl" certainly works.
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Bob B.
Bob the Excel Guru?
Posts: 3,072
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Soyuz
Jul 6, 2010 8:53:00 GMT -4
Post by Bob B. on Jul 6, 2010 8:53:00 GMT -4
I've never heard that before. Unless there is some limitation in the guidance system, I see no reason why the rocket wouldn't be capable of performing a roll. All the main chambers on the rocket are fixed, but there are several small vernier engines that are gimbaled for the purpose of steering. There are two verniers on each strap-on booster and four on the center core stage. The second stage also has four verniers. These vernier engines should certainly be capable of producing roll.
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Soyuz
Jul 7, 2010 2:12:10 GMT -4
Post by George Tirebiter on Jul 7, 2010 2:12:10 GMT -4
The Soyuz really can't roll, and Bob, you're right that it's a limitation of the guidance system. The analog flight control system can't perform pre-programmed roll or yaw maneuvers, and the pitch maneuvers are "dumb," based on a fixed pitch schedule. That's why there's a turntable incorporated into the Soyuz launch pads: rather than roll to the desired heading after liftoff, they rotate the rocket and gantry before launch. From the Soyuz user's manual (8.4MB PDF): Also, bazbear, the Soyuz 2 (Soyuz ST) has flown a few times already. IIRC, the first flight with the new guidance computer was in 2004. The new Soyuz pad at the Guiana Space Center lacks a turntable, so only the Soyuz 2 can be flown from there. The inaugural flight is scheduled for sometime later this year.
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