Launch Vehicles in Service or in Development - Soyuz 2 Entering the Operational Phase

Paper number

IAC-07-D2.1.05

Author

Mr. François Barreau, Arianespace, Inc., France

Year

2007

Abstract

The 2004-2006 period saw the in flight demonstration of the most important upgrades of the Soyuz launch vehicle. These repeated successes are major steps to comply with commercial market, paving the way to the operational phase of the Soyuz 2 in Russia and from the Guiana Space Center.

1.	Soyuz 2-1a with the ST fairing

During its first flight from Plessestk in 2004, the Soyuz 2-1a demonstrated the capability of the digital avionics to control the launch vehicle. In the mean time, an extensive test campaign allowed the ground qualification of the ST fairing. Positive flight results combined with complementary verifications on digital test benches authorized the second launch from Baikonur with the large fairing. These steps were concluded by the successful launch of the MetOp-A satellite at the fall of 2006 combining the Soyuz 2-1a with the ST fairing. This paper will describe the main flight results and lessons learned from these two launches.


2.	Soyuz 2-1b with the RD-0124 engine

In parallel, an extensive ground test program was carried out with the RD-0124 engine to reach the objective of the Soyuz 2-1b first flight with Corot by the end of 2006. This launch will be followed by an industrialisation programme to demonstrate the capability of this engine to be produced in serial, according to the Russian standards. This capability is a prerequisite to the commercial exploitation of the Soyuz 2-1b, especially for the Galileo constellation. This paper will present the preliminary flight results and the following steps to full qualification of the Soyuz 2-1b.


3.	Arianespace next step: Soyuz ST in French Guiana

Following these important technical successes, it is now possible to strengthen the launch vehicle configurations for the operational exploitation of the Soyuz in French Guiana. Additional modifications will be carried out to comply with safety regulations and weather conditions. This paper will describe the status of these activities and the next steps toward the first launch by the end of 2008.

Abstract document

IAC-07-D2.1.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D2.1.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.