Soyuz 2-1b - An upgrade of the Soyuz launch vehicle
- Paper number
IAC-06-D2.1.02
- Author
Mr. Pascal Claudel, Starsem, France
- Coauthor
Mr. Thierry Fahem, Starsem, France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Soyuz 2-1b is an upgraded version of the current Soyuz FG version. Soyuz 2-1b will be added to the Soyuz launch vehicle family, the most used Russian launch vehicle with more that 1700 launches performed since 1957, clearly an unmatched level of reliability.
First launch of Soyuz 2-1b is expected at the fall to 2006 and will launch a CNES (French space agency) spacecraft onto a polar orbit.
1. Soyuz FG Upgrades
Based on a Russian federal program started in 1993 and Starsem funds since 1999, the upgraded version Soyuz 2-1b will ensure: - The compatibility with a large fairing (ST fairing) fitting the international standards (diameter 4.11m) - A better level of performance thanks to the third stage engine upgrade with the introduction of highly effective engine cycle (RD-0124). Of course, the third stage design has been modified according to the new oxygen and kerosene mixture ratio but the ability to accommodate current engine RD-0110 is still ensured, giving more flexibility to this stage. - An increased efficiency and robustness transforming the current analog control system into a fully digital control system. The paper will describe the whole detailed upgrades comparing both Soyuz versions (FG and 2-1b).
2. Industrial qualification process Based essentially on the use of mature technology and in most cases flight-proven hardware and design compliant with standard Russian practice, the paper will indicate: - How the digital control system has been implemented, tested and qualified. - In which conditions the RD-0124 engine has been developed and qualified. - The qualification process of the ST fairing with the new modified interstage bay in order to fit the enlarged ST fairing diameter.
3. Next steps
This upgraded version Soyuz 2-1b will be part of the Arianespace launch vehicles family operated from the Guiana Space Center in the coming years, program that will benefit from the European-Russian cooperation. The paper will describe the evolutions to be conducted for flight safety considerations to meet local requirements as well as launch base evolutions.
- Abstract document