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Soyuz TMA-05M - Mission Updates
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Soyuz Crew returns to Earth & is welcomed by chilly Kazakh Breeze |
November 19, 2012 |
File Image - Photo: NASA/ESA
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The three International Space Station Expedition 32/33 crew members have successfully completed their mission, making a pre-dawn landing aboard their Soyuz Spacecraft on Monday morning in Kazakhstan. Soyuz TMA-05M and its three crew members, Yuri Malenchenko, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide, undocked from ISS late on Sunday (UTC) and performed a short free flight before deorbit and landing, marking the first night-time landing of a Soyuz since back in 2006 when Soyuz TMA-7 returned the ISS Expedition 12 crew. The crew's mission was 127 days in duration and was one of the busiest ISS increments in history.
Lots of activities were on tap for this crew that served on ISS for Expedition 32 and 33, overseeing lots of activities including visiting vehicle arrivals and departures, spacewalks, maintenance operations aboard the complex as well as a wealth of science activities, with crew members often being the subject of experiments themselves. |
Soyuz TMA-05M launched on July 15, 2012 and docked to the Rassvet Module two days later after performing a flawless free flight and rendezvous. Just after arriving aboard ISS, the three crew members experienced their first 'historic' event at the Space Station as their home in space was boosted above 400 Kilometers mean altitude for the first time in Station history. Over the course of their stay, ISS reached about 415 Kilometers. Just a few short days after their arrival, the crew was all hands on deck to start a busy visiting vehicle ballet as Progress M-15M departed ISS, came back for a re-rendezvous attempt that failed so that it had to depart the vicinity of ISS again to make room for H-II Transfer Vehicle 3 that was captured by the USOS crew using the station's robotic arm. Once HTV-3 was berthed, Progress M-15M finally made its re-rendezvous to test a new navigation sensor. It only stayed for a short time before departing ISS for good, making room for Progress M-16M that had the ISS crew witnessing another 'first' for the Space Station as the Progress made the first Express Rendezvous with ISS, with docking occurring just 5 hours and 43 minutes after launching from Baikonur on August 2.
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In mid-August, Yuri Malenchenko and Gennady Padalka went outside to perform Russian EVA-31, a spacewalk to relocate a Strela Cargo Boom. With that EVA out of the way, it was Suni Williams' and Aki Hoshide's turn to go outside and perform a complex maintenance task of removing and replacing a Main Bus Switching Unit, a major component of the Station's Electrical Power System. They ran into trouble during the spacewalk and could not install the replacement MBSU, putting ISS under a power-management plan. Just a few days after their EVA and busy hours studying procedures and review material as well as crafting improvised tools, Suni and Aki stepped outside again and finally finished their job of installing the MBSU.
The crew bid farewell to Soyuz TMA-04M in September and operated the station by themselves for a month, starting with the departure of Automated Transfer Vehicle 3 that had been docked for six months, bringing supplies to ISS, performing reboost maneuvers and taking out the trash. On October 4, the crew had their next ISS premiere as Aki Hoshide performed the first ever Cube Satellite Deployment via the Kibo Module's Robotic Arm - releasing 5 small satellites into orbit on the 55th anniversary of Sputnik. Less than a week later, Aki Hoshide and Suni Williams tamed the Dragon as the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft arrived at the Space Station for its first regular mission as part of the Commercial Resupply Services Program. Dragon made a delivery of ISS science equipment and returned precious samples for various scientific studies completed aboard ISS after finishing its mission later in October. Also in late October, the crew welcomed Soyuz TMA-06M and the rest of the Expedition 33 crew to kick off a few busy weeks of handover operations. Additionally, they had another Progress docking on their plate as Progress M-17M arrived at the Station on the fast lane, just hours after being launched on October 31. To add even more to the crew's busy schedule, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide got to perform another EVA on November 1, going outside to reconfigure the Space Station's Photovoltaic Thermal Control System Channels to take care of an ammonia leak. For the last few weeks, things calmed down a bit and the three resident ISS crew members had time for handover to the newly arrived ISS crew members, Oleg Novitsky, Evgeny Tarelkin and Kevin Ford, who will be operating ISS for the first month of Expedition 34. After a busy increment, it was time to leave the Space Station and get ready to return to Earth. On Saturday, Suni Williams handed command of ISS over to Kevin Ford who will lead ISS Expedition 34, an increment more focused on science and ISS utilization. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Final Preparations for undocking were in progress aboard the International Space Station on Sunday as the entire crew changed their sleep schedules to support the event after preparations for the Undocking and Landing started several weeks ago with Soyuz Cargo Operations, Descent Simulations and Vehicle Checkouts. Final preparatory steps completed on Sunday included the activation of the Soyuz Spacecraft and final checkouts of its Systems making sure the vehicle was in proper condition for Free Flight and Entry.
Also, time-critical Payloads were moved inside the Entry Module at the last moment to make sure they stay in a controlled environment for as long as possible. Later on Sunday, the two crews said their final Goodbyes inside the Rassvet module before the Soyuz TMA-05M crew floated into their spacecraft and hatches were closed. Hatch closure was completed at about 19:15 UTC, kicking off the usual one-hour leak check operation that is a standard part of the undocking protocol making sure both spacecraft, ISS and Soyuz, are having tight seals on their respective hatches.
Also, time-critical Payloads were moved inside the Entry Module at the last moment to make sure they stay in a controlled environment for as long as possible. Later on Sunday, the two crews said their final Goodbyes inside the Rassvet module before the Soyuz TMA-05M crew floated into their spacecraft and hatches were closed. Hatch closure was completed at about 19:15 UTC, kicking off the usual one-hour leak check operation that is a standard part of the undocking protocol making sure both spacecraft, ISS and Soyuz, are having tight seals on their respective hatches.
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Inside the Soyuz, the crew used the time to get into their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits before strapping themselves into their Kazbek Seat Liners and closing the hatch to the Orbital Module. Yuri Malenchenko took the center seat as the commander of the Spacecraft flying under the call sign 'Agat'. Soyuz Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide took the left seat and Suni Williams strapped herself into the Board Engineer's seat to the right. Yuri Malenchenko is an experienced Soyuz Commander, this being the third time for him to return to Earth aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. Aki Hoshide and Suni Williams made their first return to Earth aboard a Soyuz today as they've only had experience making the comfortable return trip aboard the Space Shuttle.
With the crew inside their seats and all systems in undocking configuration, including ISS that maneuvered to the proper undocking orientation and handed control over to the Russian Segment, everything was ready for undocking on time. Malenchenko manually sent the Undocking Command that began a three-minute sequence during which hooks were driving to free the Soyuz Spacecraft that was then pushed away with springs. Physical Separation occurred at 22:26 UTC while the Space Station was flying above north-western China with the two vehicles separating after a 125-day docked mission. Soyuz TMA-05M slowly drifted away from the Rassvet module and after about three minutes, the vehicle used its thrusters to perform a 15-second separation burn to increase its opening rate. After the 0.5-m/s burn, the Soyuz rapidly departed the vicinity of the space station. The Station itself went through a range of maneuvers while the Soyuz was departing before setting in its nominal TEA attitude in preparation to make another maneuver later to support Soyuz Communications Relay. Communications for today's Soyuz return were not favorable as the distance between ISS and the descending Soyuz was relatively large with ISS orbiting above 400 Kilometers, so that the communications blackout for this return was fairly long. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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The Soyuz completed a two-orbit free flight, taking it to a range to ISS of about 12 Kilometers. At 0:58 UTC, Soyuz TMA-05M ignited its SKD Main Propulsion System Engines providing 2,942 Newtons of thrust to perform the retrograde Deorbit Burn that had a duration of 4 minutes and 43 seconds and slowed the vehicle down by 128 m/s - placing it on its planned trajectory to intercept Earth's Atmosphere in order to begin Re-Entry. With this successful deorbit burn, the Soyuz and its crew members were committed to return to Earth with their altitude dropping and the vehicle getting ready for entry.
Just before experiencing Entry Interface, the Soyuz used pyrotechnic devices to separate its three modules at an altitude of 139.9 Kilometers with the Orbital Module and Service Module destined to burn up in the atmosphere and impacting 830 Kilometers short of the landing site. The Entry Module rolled around to the proper orientation for re-entry at an angle of 1.35 degrees and moments later, at 1:29 UTC, the Soyuz began its fiery trip back to Earth at 102 Kilometers in altitude.
Just before experiencing Entry Interface, the Soyuz used pyrotechnic devices to separate its three modules at an altitude of 139.9 Kilometers with the Orbital Module and Service Module destined to burn up in the atmosphere and impacting 830 Kilometers short of the landing site. The Entry Module rolled around to the proper orientation for re-entry at an angle of 1.35 degrees and moments later, at 1:29 UTC, the Soyuz began its fiery trip back to Earth at 102 Kilometers in altitude.
Image: NASA
Image: NASA
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For the initial portion of the re-entry process, the Soyuz was sticking to its pre-bank angle before beginning a series of Bank Maneuvers to burn off excess energy on its way through the atmosphere pulling up to five Gs which is quite a strenuous experience for crew members coming back from an extended stay in microgravity. 7 Minutes after hitting the atmosphere, the Stress on the Vehicle and its crew reached its maximum. At that point, the crew members usually experience G-load pressure on the body, heaviness of the body, labored breathing and speech. To counteract these effects, they are wearing Kentavr anti-G suits pushing blood from the lower extremities back into the body.
Being an experienced Soyuz Cosmonaut, Yuri Malenchenko calmly continued to report vehicle statuses throughout the entry process until communications with Mission Control blacked out as it was expected. Communication gaps during entry are not unusual for the Soyuz and with today's descent being unfavorable for communications with both, ISS and ground stations, an extended period of Comm Blackout was encountered by the vehicle. At an altitude of 10.6 Kilometers, Soyuz TMA-05M deployed its Pilot Chutes that pulled out the Drogue Chutes to initially slow the vehicle down to 79.6 Meters per Second on its descent to Earth. The Parachute Opening command was sent at 1:38 UTC. Once crossing 7.5 Kilometers in altitude, the main chute was deployed and vehicle slowed down further to about 6m/s. While flying under the main chute, Soyuz transitioned from flying horizontally to a vertical descent enabling it to jettison its heat shield to expose its altimeter to acquire altitude and velocity data. Parachute deployment was about five seconds off the nominal timeline, resulting in the Soyuz somewhat overshooting its landing target. Also, the vehicle vented its propellant tanks making sure no toxic Hydrogen Peroxide could become a problem after landing. As the Vehicle descended, airplanes provided the communication link with Mission Control Moscow and recovery forces tracking the vehicle to get to its landing point as fast as possible. |
Moments before landing the seat liners inside the Soyuz moved into the landing position to absorb a portion of the Impact Load and just split-seconds before touchdown the Soft Landing Engines were fired which are solid rockets that cushion the landing slowing the vehicle down to its final landing speed of 2 to 4 meters per second.
Touchdown occurred at 1:56 UTC at a remote location on the steppe of Kazakhstan, about 85 Kilometers North-North-East of Arkalyk. The Soyuz did overshoot its bull-eye target, but the landing was well within the nominal regime. Landing occurred one hour before sunrise making this the first night-landing since Soyuz TMA-7 bringing the Expedition 12 crew back to Earth on April 8, 2006. Daytime landings are preferred to make the job of the Russian recovery forces easier and to make sure the vehicle is located quickly, but with today's systems and Soyuz TMA-05M carrying an improved GPS beacon, the International Space Station Program approved this pre-dawn landing.
Touchdown occurred at 1:56 UTC at a remote location on the steppe of Kazakhstan, about 85 Kilometers North-North-East of Arkalyk. The Soyuz did overshoot its bull-eye target, but the landing was well within the nominal regime. Landing occurred one hour before sunrise making this the first night-landing since Soyuz TMA-7 bringing the Expedition 12 crew back to Earth on April 8, 2006. Daytime landings are preferred to make the job of the Russian recovery forces easier and to make sure the vehicle is located quickly, but with today's systems and Soyuz TMA-05M carrying an improved GPS beacon, the International Space Station Program approved this pre-dawn landing.
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With landing being on target, the recovery forces had no problem locating the vehicle and rushing towards it with All-Terrain Vehicles and Helicopters. Recovery Forces arrived at the landing site within minutes to get started with hatch opening and crew extraction.
Once the hatch was opened, the three crew members were welcomed by a cold Kazakh breeze as weather conditions were quite bitter - as usual for Soyuz landings with winter approaching in Kazakhstan. Conditions were well within limits for a Soyuz landing, but is was pretty cold with temperatures of -8°C/15°F and winds of 7 knots as well as about 8cm of snow in the area. As soon as hatches were opened and teams were able to interact with the crew, the extraction process got started. The Soyuz landed on its side, which has been the case for many of the previous Soyuz landings, so teams were used to that and had no problems getting the crew out of the vehicle. Commander Yuri Malenchenko was first to exit the Soyuz as he was in the center seat which has to be vacated before the left and right seats can be accessed. He appeared to be in good shape coming back from his fifth space flight for a total of 642 days, making him one of the most experienced cosmonauts. He now ranks seventh in the list of humans with most time in space. Next to exit the Soyuz were Aki Hoshide & Suni Williams. Hoshide was smiling as he left the vehicle, appearing to be doing fine after coming back from his first long-duration space flight, now having logged 141 days in space. Suni Williams was also smiling as she was assisted to her reclining chair. This being her second long-duration flight, she now has spent 322 days in space. The crew members were placed in reclining chairs set up next to their Soyuz and they were able to phone home using a satellite phone. Because of the harsh weather conditions, the crew members did not spent too much time outside. They were quickly carried to the medical tent that was set up close by. They will spend about two hours at the landing site getting out of the Sokol suits and undergoing their initial medical checks. |
Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
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Afterwards, they will be transported to Kustanai where Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide will board a NASA plane to go back to Houston and Yuri Malenchenko will board a Roscosmos aircraft for his flight back to Star City.
This successful undocking and landing marked the end of ISS Expedition 33 and the beginning of Expedition 34 that starts with a crew of three, led by Commander Kevin Ford and complemented by Flight Engineers Oleg Novitsky and Evgeny Tarelkin. They will be handling ISS operations for five weeks, waiting for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-07M delivering Roman Romanenko, Chris Hadfield and Thomas Marshburn to ISS for their long-duration mission. Visit the Expedition 34 preview for all details on this upcoming Space Station Expedition.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Undocking/Re-Entry
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Landing
Video Gallery: Soyuz TMA-05M Return
This successful undocking and landing marked the end of ISS Expedition 33 and the beginning of Expedition 34 that starts with a crew of three, led by Commander Kevin Ford and complemented by Flight Engineers Oleg Novitsky and Evgeny Tarelkin. They will be handling ISS operations for five weeks, waiting for the arrival of Soyuz TMA-07M delivering Roman Romanenko, Chris Hadfield and Thomas Marshburn to ISS for their long-duration mission. Visit the Expedition 34 preview for all details on this upcoming Space Station Expedition.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Undocking/Re-Entry
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Landing
Video Gallery: Soyuz TMA-05M Return
Undocking/Landing Profile
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Credit: Roscosmos/RSA/TsUP
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Credit: NASA TV
Soyuz TMA-05M & 3 ISS Residents to return to Earth this Weekend |
November 16, 2012 |
Photo: NASA
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Three International Space Station Residents are making final preparations for their return to Earth after a 127-day space flight. Yuri Malenchenko, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide will return aboard Soyuz TMA-05M after undocking from ISS on Sunday (UTC) followed by a short free flight before starting entry and landing to return to Earth on early on Monday.
The undocking is currently expected to be on time, occurring at 22:26 UTC on Sunday, after a number of unexpected events hit the space station including the Russian loss of communications with the outpost earlier this week. After undocking, the Soyuz spacecraft will perform a separation maneuver and begin a two-orbit free flight setting the stage for the Deorbit Burn that will place the vehicle on a trajectory back to Earth. After re-entering the atmosphere and opening its parachutes, Soyuz TMA-05M is planned to touch down in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 1:53 UTC on Monday, bringing the ISS Expedition 32/33 crew back to Earth. |
Preparations for the crew's return have been underway for a number of weeks. Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko has been preparing and packing cargo items to return to Earth inside the Entry Module of the Soyuz. This cargo consists of science equipment and payloads that completed scientific operations aboard ISS. The science equipment includes samples taken from ISS Air and Water supply as well as experiment samples that are part of ongoing ISS Science Studies. Malenchenko also loaded the orbital vehicle with items for disposal via destructive re-entry. Final cargo loading operations will be performed just before hatch closure on Sunday, when time-critical science payloads including a number of Russian biotechnology payloads are placed aboard the spacecraft.
Also, final testing and preparations of the Soyuz Spacecraft have been completed over the past week. The three crew members completed their final fit checks of their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and Kazbek Seat Liners, making adjustments when necessary to ensure the seats can provide their shock absorbing capabilities during Landing. Suni Williams and Yuri Malenchenko performed the nominal 3-hour descent drill, a simulation of various re-entry and landing scenarios being performed inside the Entry Module of the Soyuz. On Friday, the two crew members got up early to support the nominal Soyuz Thruster Test during which all engines of the vehicle are fired for a brief moment to make sure all thrusters are operational. For the test, ISS was handed to Russian Control 5:27 UTC on Friday for thruster firings between 5:32 and 5:50 UTC while the station was flying over Russian ground stations. All thrusters checked out well and the Soyuz is ready to come home after final life support systems activation and avionics power-up on Sunday.
Also, final testing and preparations of the Soyuz Spacecraft have been completed over the past week. The three crew members completed their final fit checks of their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and Kazbek Seat Liners, making adjustments when necessary to ensure the seats can provide their shock absorbing capabilities during Landing. Suni Williams and Yuri Malenchenko performed the nominal 3-hour descent drill, a simulation of various re-entry and landing scenarios being performed inside the Entry Module of the Soyuz. On Friday, the two crew members got up early to support the nominal Soyuz Thruster Test during which all engines of the vehicle are fired for a brief moment to make sure all thrusters are operational. For the test, ISS was handed to Russian Control 5:27 UTC on Friday for thruster firings between 5:32 and 5:50 UTC while the station was flying over Russian ground stations. All thrusters checked out well and the Soyuz is ready to come home after final life support systems activation and avionics power-up on Sunday.
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On Saturday, Expedition 33 Commander Suni Williams will officially hand command of ISS over to Kevin Ford who will lead Increment 34.
On Sunday, the Soyuz Spacecraft will be activated and all systems will be checked thoroughly. At around 19:10 UTC, the crew members will move to the correct sides of the Hatches and say their final Goodbyes after working together for several months as part of Expedition 33. Afterwards, they will get started on hatch closure operations and perform the standard one-hour leak check to make sure the seals on both ends of the vestibule between the two spacecraft are tight. The Soyuz Crew will make final checks of the vehicle's systems before donning their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and strapping themselves into their Seat Liners. The undocking command is issued at 22:23 UTC and hooks and latches that secured the Soyuz in place for several months will start opening for physical separation three minutes later. |
*File Image* - Photo: NASA
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As Soyuz TMA-05M departs the Rassvet Module, the crew will be leaving the station behind after a 125-day docked mission. At a range of 20 meters, Soyuz TMA-05M fires its thrusters for a departure maneuver to rapidly leave the vicinity of the Station. A second burn will increase the opening rate.
A two-Orbit Free-Flight will follow during which the vehicle maneuvers to a safe distance to ISS to perform its Deorbit Burn at 0:58 UTC. The deorbit burn will have a duration of 4 minutes and 43 seconds with the SKD Main Propulsion System slowing the vehicle down by 128m/s - enough to enable it to drop out of Orbit and head towards Earth's atmosphere for re-entry. Just before Entry Interface, the modules of the Soyuz will separate and the Entry Module will move to the correct Entry Attitude. After completing atmospheric entry, the Soyuz will deploy its Parachutes, drop its heat shield and get ready for touchdown, firing its Soft Landing Engines split-seconds before impact. Landing at the Steppes of Kazakhstan is planned to occur at 1:53 UTC. Recovery forces will immediately start post-landing operations to extract the crew that will have completed their long duration Space Mission at that point.
A two-Orbit Free-Flight will follow during which the vehicle maneuvers to a safe distance to ISS to perform its Deorbit Burn at 0:58 UTC. The deorbit burn will have a duration of 4 minutes and 43 seconds with the SKD Main Propulsion System slowing the vehicle down by 128m/s - enough to enable it to drop out of Orbit and head towards Earth's atmosphere for re-entry. Just before Entry Interface, the modules of the Soyuz will separate and the Entry Module will move to the correct Entry Attitude. After completing atmospheric entry, the Soyuz will deploy its Parachutes, drop its heat shield and get ready for touchdown, firing its Soft Landing Engines split-seconds before impact. Landing at the Steppes of Kazakhstan is planned to occur at 1:53 UTC. Recovery forces will immediately start post-landing operations to extract the crew that will have completed their long duration Space Mission at that point.
Soyuz TMA-05M arrives at ISS restoring the Expedition 32 Crew to Six |
July 17, 2012 |
Soyuz Docking at Rassvet - *File Image* - Photo: NASA
Soyuz *File Image* - Photo: NASA
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Soyuz TMA-05M has completed a successful docking to the International Space Station's Rassvet Module to restore the Space Station's Crew to six. Docking occurred on Tuesday, July 17, at 4:51 GMT marking the arrival of Yuri Malenchenko, Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide aboard the Orbiting Complex. With the Station Crew topped up to six, a busy period of ISS Operations lies ahead with a tight visiting vehicles schedule, two planned Spacewalks and ongoing Science Studies aboard the complex.
Following a flawless Soyuz FG Launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, at 2:40 GMT on Sunday and a successful Orbital Insertion 9 minutes later, the Soyuz TMA-05M Spacecraft began its 34-orbit journey to the Space Station. The Soyuz Spacecraft followed its nominal Mission Profile featuring three Phasing Maneuvers - two large SKD Main Propulsion System Burns on Sunday 3.5 and 4.5 Hours into the Mission changing the vehicle's speed by 41.5 and 23.9 meters per second, respectively, and a minor maneuver on Monday for a Delta-V of 2m/s. The Automated Docking Sequence began as expected at 2:31 GMT on Tuesday when the Soyuz Capsule was still at a large distance to ISS. The Crew activated the KURS Navigation System that provides accurate Range and Velocity Data for the vehicle's on-board computers. The Rendezvous and Docking sequence is fully automated, however, Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and Russian Mission Controllers were monitoring the systems closely - ready to take action and perform a manual docking if any off-nominal events had occurred. As the vehicle closed in on the Station, the navigation systems were validated and Soyuz completed a series of trajectory correction maneuvers. Yuri Malenchenko - a veteran of three previous Soyuz Missions - reported that the Space Station was in sight as the vehicle continued to close in on the complex. The Space Station Crew also reported that they were able to see the approaching Soyuz after they got up early - changing their sleep cycles to support the Rendezvous and Docking Operation. At a range of 8 Kilometers, the Soyuz activated its TV System needed for monitoring of the automated operation. Following its normal Rendezvous Profile, the Soyuz Spacecraft performed three Course Correction Maneuvers before reaching the vicinity of the Station. Once arriving at a distance of 300 meters, Mission Controllers in Korolev just outside of Moscow gave a GO for the Flyaround and Malenchenko sent the appropriate command. Soyuz TMA-05M started its slow lap around the Space Station to align itself with the Docking Port on the Rassvet Module. |
After completing the Flyaround, a short period of Stationkeeping was initiated at a range of 190 meters giving Flight Controllers a chance to assess the vehicle's systems and the alignment with the docking port. The Crew was given a GO and final approach was started at 4:40 GMT. The Spacecraft gently fired its engines to achieve a closing rate of about 0.1 meters per second keeping the cross hairs precisely aligned. As Soyuz TMA-05M approached, the Automated Docking System made short engine pulses to keep the vehicle perfectly aligned with its Docking Target. Contact and Capture occurred at 4:51 GMT while the Space Station was flying high above North-East Kazakhstan - one minute earlier than planned since the Stationkeeping period was shortened due to good alignment and vehicle performance. Docking was by the book marking the end of the 2-day free flight of the Soyuz Vehicle that performed flawlessly from launch to docking. The Docking Probe was retracted and Hooks started closing to establish a hard mate between the two docking interfaces. The standard 1-hour leak check operation got underway after the hard-mate was established. After leak checks and system checks are complete, the crew will be allowed to open the hatches and enter the Station about two-and-a-half hours after docking.
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Aboard the Station, the three Crew Members of Expedition 31/32, Gennady Padalka, Sergei Revin and Joe Acaba, supported the docking by monitoring systems and acquiring images of the Soyuz Vehicle and its docking system for technical evaluations. When hatches are open, the complete Expedition 32 crew will perform the mandatory crew safety briefing held by Commander Gennady Padalka. He will discuss the locations of emergency equipment such as medical supplies, fire extinguishers and emergency air supplies as well as emergency routes and nominal contingency response procedures. Shortly thereafter, time-critical payloads will be unloaded from the Soyuz to place them inside thermally controlled containers. These payloads include biological experiment hardware and other science payloads for upcoming studies aboard the Station. Soyuz TMA-05M also delivered exercise ropes for the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device among other equipment. The Station ran out of certified ropes several weeks ago limiting the exercise capabilities of the crew.
The Soyuz TMA-05M Crew is now starting a 119-day stay aboard the Space Station as part of Expeditions 32 and 33. With six crew members back on ISS, more hands can focus on science operations to increase the weekly hours of scientific work completed aboard ISS. To begin the mission, the new crew of three will have daily familiarization operations on their schedule for the next few weeks. As Expedition 32 shapes up to be the busiest post-Shuttle Space Station Increment, the six crew members will have tight schedules filled with a variety of operations. "I think most people know our increment got a little decreased in time, but what that means is it’s going to be fast and furious, hot and heavy, right from the very beginning," Sunita Williams said prior to starting her Mission. The visiting vehicle ballet will begin on Friday with the Launch of the third Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle that will link up with ISS for a Capture and berthing one week later. In between HTV-3 Launch and Rendezvous, Progress M-15M will perform an Undocking - Re-Docking Maneuver - retreating to a distance of 400 Kilometers and coming back to ISS to test a new Rendezvous Sensor during the Approach. After HTV-3 has arrived at the Station, Progress M-15M will depart ISS for good and free up the Pirs docking port for Progress M-16M that will launch from Baikonur on August 1. The crew will be supporting all these visiting vehicle operations. |
Image: Roscosmos
Photo: NASA
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"So it’s going to be really busy right from the get go, and then it will settle down a little bit and, and we’ll do the main thing that we’re up there for, science on the International Space Station," Williams said. The Crew will be supporting hundreds of scientific studies and experiments that are in progress aboard the Station - often acting as test subjects themselves performing different experiments to study the effect long duration space flight has on humans. The Crew aboard the ISS will be completing a variety of Experiments and long term studies. These are part of several fields of science including biology, human research, material science, physics, chemistry and technology as well as education. Two Spacewalks are planned for Expedition 32 – one EVA under Russian Supervision in mid-August and one US Stage EVA in late August. 'Going out the door' for the Russian EVA will be the two Soyuz Commanders Gennady Padalka and Yuri Malenchenko. The US Spacewalk will be performed by Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide. A complete Expedition 32 Preview with a complete outline of the visiting vehicle schedule, a comprehensive science overview and detailed information about the two Spacewalks, is available here.
Docking Video
Soyuz TMA-05M on Track for Docking with ISS |
July 16, 2012 |
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The Soyuz TMA-05M Spacecraft has completed its fist day in orbit without any problems. It is on a 34-Orbit journey that will take it and the three crew members, experienced Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineers Sunita Williams and Aki Hoshide, to the International Space Station. For that, the capsule made 3 large Engine Firings using its SKD Main Propulsion System to achieve a trajectory that lines it up with ISS for an automated docking on Tuesday at 04:52 GMT. The first of these burns was conducted just 3.5 hours after launch and changed the vehicle's velocity by 41.45 meters per second. Rendezvous Burn 2 was also performed on Sunday (at 7:01 GMT) and provided a Delta-V of 23.94m/s. On Monday at 4:05:43 GMT, the third burn was completed and changed TMA-05M's speed by just 2m/s as part of a minor Phasing Maneuver. All these burns were completed as planned and the vehicle and its crew are in very good condition working through their busy Flight Day 2 Timeline. Aboard ISS, final preparations for the docking and upcoming operations are being completed today. Cameras aboard the Station were configured to record tomorrow’s docking. Also, the crew quarters for the three upcoming ISS Residents have been prepared by the first half of the Expedition 32 Crew. These operations included a reconfiguration of the onboard Network for personal computer and internet settings.
Everything is on track for an on time docking tomorrow. 
Image: NASA
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Rendezvous Timeline
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Station-bound Trio safely in Orbit after flawless Soyuz Launch |
July 15, 2012 |
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The next trio of International Space Station Residents is on its way after the successful launch of Soyuz TMA-05M. The Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle with the Spacecraft hidden inside its Launch Shroud blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 2:40 GMT and completed a nominal Ascent Mission to deliver the TMA-05M Spacecraft to Orbit. With Soyuz TMA-05M safely in orbit, teams are now gearing up for docking on Tuesday, July 17.
After Rollout was completed on Friday, teams at the launch pad went through nominal L-2 Operations making final vehicle checks and placing time-critical cargo items inside the Spacecraft. Yesterday, the three crew members Yuri Malenchenko, Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide – all experienced astronauts - went through the traditional L-1 Operations including a final press event and the blessing of the Soyuz Rocket by an Orthodox Priest. Launch Day Operations began eight hours before blastoff with the start of the Countdown Sequence. The three Crew Members and their backups also woke up for their final preparations for liftoff at that time to begin final preparations. All of them enjoyed their final breakfast on Earth for a while and they participated in the traditional pre-flight blessing by a Priest. They departed their crew quarters early in the morning, local time, to start Sokol Suit Donning and meet delegations present for Sunday’s Launch before going to the Launch Site. Six hours prior to Liftoff, the State Commission met and discussed the Vehicle’s status along with the ground systems and communications network of Russian Ground Stations. A GO for Fueling and final Countdown Operations was given when the meeting concluded. Fueling began on time at L-5 Hours and the Soyuz was loaded with about 282,000 Kilograms of Liquid Oxygen and Rocket Propellant 1 which is highly refined Kerosene that has the quality needed for combustion in a rocket engine. Also, Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Nitrogen was loaded that is needed to run the engine’s Turbopumps and keep the Propellant Tanks pressurized during flight. |
Photo: NASA
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The Propellant Loading Process was completed by the book and concluded at L- 4 hours with all RP-1 being on board and LOX Loading entering Stable Replenish. The fully fueled vehicle was poised for launch waiting for its crew of three. 2 hours and 40 minutes before blastoff the Crew’s Bus arrived at the Launch Site and the Crew posed for a few final photos prior to entering the elevator to the access area in order to ingress their Soyuz Capsule. As usual, Russian Crew Ingress was very efficient and quick. The trio was strapped into their Kazbek Seats with Aki Hoshide taking the right Seat, Suni Williams climbing into the left seat liner and Commander Yuri Malenchenko entering the center seat before the Entry Module Hatch was closed and latched. Afterwards, Teams closed the Orbital Module’s hatch and sealed the access hatch of the Payload Shroud. When all hatches were closed, a set of extensive leak checks was completed to make sure the cabin was sealed properly.
Photo: NASA
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Photo: NASA
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Photo: NASA
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A thorough check of Soyuz Launcher and Spacecraft Systems was started to ensure all Systems were in proper condition for upcoming countdown operations and the flight. 90 Minutes before Launch, the Communication System of the Soyuz was activated and Internal Soyuz Pressure Checks began. The crew configured the Soyuz Capsule for Launch and made final Communication Checks starting one hour before ignition. To prepare the vehicle for launch, the Soyuz Service Structure was retracted at T-45 Minutes to expose the fully fueled and venting vehicle, and retract all access platforms to the launcher. 30 Minutes from Blastoff, the Launch Escape System was activated and placed in automated mode shortly thereafter. At L-15 Minutes, Sokol Launch and Entry Suit Checks were completed and the Launch Pad was evacuated in preparation for ignition.
Photo: RSC Energia
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Just six minutes before launch, the automated sequence of the Countdown began to complete the final preparatory steps to place the rocket in its launch configuration. For that, the telemetry system and control systems were transferred to onboard control. The crew closed their Sokol Visors and switched to Suit Air Supply. At L-3 Minutes and 15 Seconds, the Nitrogen Purge of the Core Stage and Booster Engines got underway to set the stage for engine start. Propellant Tanks were pressurized for flight and propellant and Nitrogen Loading was terminated as Drain and Safety Valves were closed. One Minute prior to launch, the vehicle transferred to internal power and started its Launch Sequencer that was in control of the countdown from that point on. 20 seconds before being released, the RD-107A Engines of the four strap-on Boosters and the RD-108A of the Core Stage soared to life after the Ignition Command was sent. All turbopumps started spinning up to an intermediate thrust level before reaching flight speed and full thrust 5 seconds prior to launch. All umbilicals were retracted. The performance of the Propulsion System was monitored and the vehicle was allowed to blast off.
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Liftoff occurred on time at 2:40:03 GMT and the Soyuz FG Launcher blasted into the Kazakh Sky making its initial vertical ascent before pitching and rolling on its exact course to its Orbital Cutoff Target. First Stage performance was flawless and the Rocket followed a nominal Ascent Path. Just under two minutes into the flight, the four strap-on boosters were jettisoned after giving extra thrust for the first 118 seconds of the mission. Separation occurred at an altitude of 46 Kilometers, 115 Kilometers downrange from the Launch Site. One Minute later, the launch escape tower and the payload shroud were separated as well exposing the Soyuz Spacecraft as thermal and aerodynamic loads were within limits when the vehicle had already left the dense portion of the Atmosphere. The core stage and its RD-108A four-chamber Main Engine continued to burn until the T+4:48 Mark when Staging occurred.
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Soyuz staging is accomplished by igniting the Upper Stage Engine and initiate pyrotechnic separation bolts at the same time with engine exhaust of the third stage pushing the Core Stage away. Operation of the third stage and its RD-0110 Engine was normal and the Soyuz Capsule separated at and altitude of 202 Kilometers traveling 7.5 Kilometers per Second, after a 3-minute, 58-second burn of the third stage to begin its trip to the ISS. At main engine cutoff, the crew and their Zero G Mascot, a Barbie Doll that was a present Yuri Malenchenko's daughter, were weightless. Immediately after separation, solar arrays and communication antennas were deployed to complete a successful orbital insertion process after which the Spacecraft flying under the call sign 'Агат', was handed over to Mission Control Moscow. The crew was allowed to open their visors and egress their seats after all vehicle parameters were validated and orbital operations were initiated. The vehicle targeted a 200 by 242-Kilometer orbit with an inclination of 51.67 degrees and actual parameters were within tolerances.
With Soyuz TMA-05M on its way to the Space Station, the vehicle is now beginning a busy 2-day journey to the orbiting outpost. To link with the Space Station, Soyuz TMA-05M will perform two large Rendezvous Burns the first one occurring less than 4 hours after liftoff. This first SKD Engine burn will change the vehicle’s velocity by 40.2m/s and raise its altitude in order to catch up with ISS. The second large Rendezvous Burn comes shortly thereafter and the third maneuver will occur on July 16. At 2:29 GMT on Tuesday, Soyuz TMA-05M will initiate its Automated Rendezvous Sequence leading to docking with the Space Station at 04:52 GMT on July 17 using the KURS Navigation System for an automated Approach and Docking. After arriving at the Space Station, the trio of ISS Residents will top up the crew of the vehicle to six for the second part of Expedition 32. Aboard ISS, the crew will support numerous Science Studies often being subjects of investigations that focus on the effects of long duration space flight on the human body. Aside from the busy science schedule, Expedition 32 will feature a large amount of visiting vehicle traffic including a Progress Undocking - Re-Docking Sequence, a nominal Progress Docking, the arrival of HTV-3 and the departure of Soyuz TMA-04M. Also on tap for the crew are two spacewalks to outfit the exterior of the Station – one Russian and one US Stage EVA, both planned for August. For a complete overview of all ISS Expedition 32 Operations, visit our detailed preview and refer to our running coverage of Expedition 32 with weekly reports and breaking news. |
Photo: NASA
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Launch Video
Soyuz FG with Soyuz TMA-05M rolled to Launch Complex
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July 12, 2012
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The Soyuz
FG Rocket with the Soyuz TMA-05M Spacecraft has been rolled out from the
Launcher Integration Facility to the Launch Complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Kazakhstan to set the stage for final launch preparations and the countdown. Launch
remains set for Sunday, July 15 at 2:40 GMT.
The decision to roll the vehicle to the Launch Complex and press into L-2 Operations was made by the State Commission that met on July 11. Rollout occurred early on Thursday, local time and the Soyuz was placed in its erect launch position once arriving at the launch site. After the vehicle was in place atop the launch table, the two halves of the service gantry were positioned around the vehicle to provide access platforms for the final set of checkouts and reconfigurations. Countdown Operations will get underway on Saturday leading to liftoff early on Sunday. The Crew is currently undergoing final launch preparations as well. They participated in the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony and the Tree Planting Event at Baikonur. They have been able to say their final Good Byes to their families and completed a final inspection of the TMA-05M Spacecraft just before integration to assess the cargo situation on board. Now, the three crew members are undergoing final medical exams to get the clearance for launch.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Rollout
Video: TMA-05M Rollout
The decision to roll the vehicle to the Launch Complex and press into L-2 Operations was made by the State Commission that met on July 11. Rollout occurred early on Thursday, local time and the Soyuz was placed in its erect launch position once arriving at the launch site. After the vehicle was in place atop the launch table, the two halves of the service gantry were positioned around the vehicle to provide access platforms for the final set of checkouts and reconfigurations. Countdown Operations will get underway on Saturday leading to liftoff early on Sunday. The Crew is currently undergoing final launch preparations as well. They participated in the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony and the Tree Planting Event at Baikonur. They have been able to say their final Good Byes to their families and completed a final inspection of the TMA-05M Spacecraft just before integration to assess the cargo situation on board. Now, the three crew members are undergoing final medical exams to get the clearance for launch.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz Rollout
Video: TMA-05M Rollout
Photo: RSC Energia
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Photo: RSC Energia
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Soyuz Launch Vehicle Integration complete, Final Testing underway
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July 11, 2012
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Photo: RSC Energia
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The
preparations for the Launch of a Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle with Soyuz TMA-05M and
three International Space Station Crew Members aboard are reaching a final
stage at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Launch remains planned for July
15, at 2:40 GMT.
On July 10, the encapsulated Soyuz TMA-05M spacecraft was inspected by its crew of three, Yuri Malenchenko, Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide, for the final time prior to launch. The backup crew members also had a chance to inspect the vehicle. Afterwards, the Upper Composite of the Vehicle was moved from the Spacecraft Processing Facility to the Launcher Integration Facility where it was attached to the Soyuz Upper Stage on July 11. When that step was complete, the Launch Escape Tower was attached to the stack and connections were put in place. Later, the the Upper Stage, Spacecraft and Escape Tower, were installed on the integrated core stage and boosters of the vehicle. This completed the lengthy launcher integration process and kicked off final integrated testing during which the launcher is undergoing checkouts to ensure all systems are working nominally. After this final round of integrated testing, the Vehicle will be rolled to the Launch Site at L-2 Days for final preparations and the countdown. The crew of ISS Expedition 32/33 is undergoing final medical checks and flight preparations at the Cosmodrome. |
Soyuz TMA-05M Fueled for Flight, Installed in Launch Shroud
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July 9, 2012
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Launch Preparations at the Baikonur
Cosmodrome are on track for a July 15 Launch of the Soyuz TMA-05M Spacecraft
aboard a Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle.
After undergoing final pre-flight processing operations, the Soyuz Spacecraft was placed in a transportation canister to be delivered to the Hazardous Processing Facility. There, the vehicle was loaded with Propellants and compressed gases for the environmental control system. 800 Kilograms of Nitrogen Tetroxide Oxidizer and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine Fuel were loaded into the SKD Main Propulsion System Tanks. Two Helium Spheres have been loaded with high-pressure Helium that will be used for Propellant Tank Pressurization in orbit. Also, Oxygen and Nitrogen gases were loaded into the vehicle. The operation was completed on July 5. Once fueling was completed, the Soyuz returned to the Launcher Integration Building where it was placed in a test stand for final close-outs and inspections. |
Photo: RSC Energia
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On July 6, 2012, the vehicle was installed atop its Payload
Adapter that will be used to install it on the Launcher. On Monday, the Vehicle
was moved into a horizontal position for installation in its Launch Shroud. The
Vehicle will be installed on its Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle later. The final
integration step is the installation of the Launch Escape Tower. Extensive
integrated tests will be performed to make sure the fully integrated vehicle is
ready for its mission. After a final round of integrated testing, the
Vehicle will be rolled to the Launch Site at L-2 Days for final preparations
and the countdown. The Crew of Soyuz TMA-05M is finishing flight preparations
and is under quarantine. Final pre-flight ceremonies have been completed by the
three crew members and their back-ups.
Photo Gallery: Soyuz TMA-05M Pre-Launch Processing
Photo Gallery: Soyuz TMA-05M Pre-Launch Processing
Photo: RSC Energia
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Photo: RSC Energia
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Soyuz TMA-05M Crew begins final Preparations at the Launch Site
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July 4, 2012
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Photo: NASA
Photo: NASA
Photo Gallery: Expedition 32 - Crew Training Russia
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After the
safe return of the Expedition 30/31 Crew last weekend aboard Soyuz TMA-03M, all
eyes are now on Soyuz TMA-05M and its launch that is currently planned for July
15, 2012 at 2:40:03 GMT.
The trio of ISS Astronauts and Soyuz TMA-05M Crew Members, Yuri Malenchenko, Sunita Williams and Akihiko Hoshide, have arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 2 to begin final Preparations for the mission at the Launch Site. On July 3, they donned their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and performed extensive Leak Checks to ensure the suits were ready to support the flight. Also, the crew went to the Spacecraft Processing Facility to enter their Soyuz Launcher for final pre-launch checks and simulations. This dress rehearsal is done to allow the crew members to familiarize themselves with the cargo situation on board since most cargo has already been placed aboard the vehicle except a small number of time-critical payloads that will be loaded shortly before launch. The crew completed an ascent simulation and left the Soyuz again. The technical commission also met on July 3 to evaluate the status of the Soyuz Spacecraft and the decision to fill the vehicle with Propellants and compressed gases was made. The Propellant Tanks of the Vehicle are filled with Nitrogen Tetroxide Oxidizer and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine that will be used by the Soyuz Main Propulsion System and Reaction Control Engines. Nitrogen and Oxygen gases will be loaded into the gas tanks of the vehicle and are used for environmental control. When Propellant Loading is complete, the Soyuz will be placed in its Test Stand once again for a final pre-launch inspection before Payload Shroud Roll occurs and the vehicle is installed inside the Payload Fairing. This Upper Composite will be installed on the Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle to set the stage for integrated testing, rollout and countdown operations. For the crew, more training operations are coming up before the trio enters quarantine and undergoes final medical exams. Also, the crew will participate in final pre-launch meetings and tagups. With all preparations on track, teams are working towards the July 15 Launch Target. For an on-time launch, docking would take place on July 17 at 4:50 GMT. After docking, the ISS Crew will be topped up to six starting Expedition 32 Operations. Visit our Expedition 32 Preview for a detailed overview of all upcoming Space Station Operations. |
Final Soyuz TMA-05M Launch Preparations underway
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June 22, 2012
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The next
trio of International Space Station Crew Members is getting ready for a
mid-July launch aboard their Soyuz TMA-05M Spacecraft atop a Soyuz FG Rocket.
The Soyuz TMA-05M crew is a crew of veteran space fliers. Cosmonaut Yuri
Malenchenko will be the Soyuz Commander while NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams
and JAXA Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide will serve as flight engineers. Launch is
planned to occur on July 15 at 2:40 GMT with Soyuz TMA-05M arriving in Orbit
less than 10 Minutes later. The vehicle will make a two-day journey to link up
with the Space Station. Docking is set for July 17 to restore the
Station’s Expedition 32 Crew to six. The Soyuz will also carry some equipment
to the Space Station – mostly time-critical experiment payloads and small items
for the Russian Segment as well as personal crew items.
The Launch Campaign at the Baikonaur Cosmodrome began with the delivery of the components of the Soyuz FG Rocket aboard a train coming from the vehicle’s manufacturer TsSKB Progress of Samara. The launcher arrived at the Cosmodrome on March 4. |
Photo: NASA
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The Soyuz Spacecraft was
delivered to the Cosmodrome on May 20 and it was moved to the 245 Spacecraft
Processing Facility where it was placed in a test stand for initial checkouts.
The capsule is undergoing electrical tests and final outfitting. Later, cargo
will be loaded and more inspections will be made. The crew of Soyuz TMA-05M and
ISS Expedition 32/33, will also have the opportunity to inspect their vehicle
as part of normal crew preparations for the flight. They will also conduct final
launch simulations inside their spacecraft. The vehicle will be fueled for
flight and installed on its Soyuz FG Launch Vehicle before being moved to the
Launch Complex in July.
The assembly of the Soyuz Launch Vehicle began inside the 112 Launcher Integration Facility of the Cosmodrome on June 5. To integrate the launcher, the four strap-on boosters are attached to the core stage of the vehicle. Later, the third stage and Soyuz Spacecraft encapsulated in its protective Payload Shroud will be attached to the launcher. The final integration step will be the installation of Launch Escape Tower.
The Crew of Expedition 32, Yuri Malenchenko, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide as well as their backup crew, Roman Romanenko, Chris Hadfield and Thomas Marshburn are currently undergoing final training and preparations in Star City near Moscow. Both crews have passed their final Soyuz examinations with flying colors clearing them for launch. Final crew training procedures include Soyuz Simulations including ascent, docking and orbital operations rehearsals. Once at the Cosmodrome, they will check their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and their respective Kazbek Seat Liners to make sure everything fits as expected. The crew will also board their Soyuz while it is still in its Processing Facility to familiarize themselves with the cargo situation on board and train procedures aboard their own spacecraft. The crew members will also participate in the traditional pre-launch ceremonies before entering quarantine.
The assembly of the Soyuz Launch Vehicle began inside the 112 Launcher Integration Facility of the Cosmodrome on June 5. To integrate the launcher, the four strap-on boosters are attached to the core stage of the vehicle. Later, the third stage and Soyuz Spacecraft encapsulated in its protective Payload Shroud will be attached to the launcher. The final integration step will be the installation of Launch Escape Tower.
The Crew of Expedition 32, Yuri Malenchenko, Suni Williams and Aki Hoshide as well as their backup crew, Roman Romanenko, Chris Hadfield and Thomas Marshburn are currently undergoing final training and preparations in Star City near Moscow. Both crews have passed their final Soyuz examinations with flying colors clearing them for launch. Final crew training procedures include Soyuz Simulations including ascent, docking and orbital operations rehearsals. Once at the Cosmodrome, they will check their Sokol Launch and Entry Suits and their respective Kazbek Seat Liners to make sure everything fits as expected. The crew will also board their Soyuz while it is still in its Processing Facility to familiarize themselves with the cargo situation on board and train procedures aboard their own spacecraft. The crew members will also participate in the traditional pre-launch ceremonies before entering quarantine.
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