Soyuz T
Soyuz T is a capsule developed by ROSCOSMOS.
Mission profile: Manned and Cargo Salyut & Mir Logistics, Lifeboat
Soyuz is a series of spacecraft designed for the Soviet space programme by the Korolyov Design Bureau (now RKK Energia) in the 1960s that remains in service today. The Soyuz succeeded the Voskhod spacecraft and was originally built as part of the Soviet Manned Lunar programme. The Soyuz spacecraft is launched on a Soyuz rocket, the most frequently used and most reliable launch vehicle in the world to date. The Soyuz rocket design is based on the Vostok launcher, which in turn was based on the 8K74 or R-7A Semyorka, a Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile. All Soyuz spacecraft are launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Spacecraft Specifications & Launch Record
| Height | 7.48 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2 m |
| Human Rated | Yes |
| Maiden Flight | 12/16/1979 |
| Crew Capacity | 3 |
| Flight Life | 120 days while docked |
| Spacecraft Flown | 15 |
| Total Launches | 15 |
| Successful Launches | 15 |
| Attempted Landings | 15 |
| Successful Landings | 15 |
History of the Soyuz T
The Soyuz-T was a major upgrade over previous Soyuz spacecraft, sporting solid-state electronics for the first time and a much more advanced onboard computer to help overcome the chronic docking problems that affected cosmonauts during space station missions. In addition, solar panels returned, allowing the Soyuz-T to fly up to 11 days independently as well as a redesigned propulsion system, the KTDU-426. Finally, it could at last carry three cosmonauts with pressure suits.
ROSCOSMOS Space Agency
The Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, commonly known as Roscosmos, is the governmental body responsible for the space science program of the Russian Federation and general aerospace research. Soyuz has many launch locations the Russian sites are Baikonur, Plesetsk and Vostochny however Ariane also purchases the vehicle and launches it from French Guiana.