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Soyuz-2

Russian medium-lift launch vehicle From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Soyuz-2

Soyuz2 (Russian: Союз2, lit.'Union2') (GRAU index: 14A14) is a modernized expendable medium-lift launch vehicle and the seventh major version of the Soyuz rocket family. It includes key enhancements over its predecessors, including improved engines along with digital flight control and telemetry systems, enabling launches from fixed platforms and the use of large payload fairings.

Quick Facts Function, Manufacturer ...
Soyuz2 (2.1a / 2.1b)
Thumb
A Soyuz2.1b rocket launches carrying a GLONASS-K2 satellite to orbit
FunctionMedium-lift launch vehicle
ManufacturerRKTs Progress
Country of originRussia
Cost per launchUS$35−48.5 million[1][2]
Size
Height46.3 m (152 ft)[3]
Diameter10.3 m (33 ft 10 in)
Mass312,000 kg (688,000 lb)
Stages3 or 4
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Altitude240 km (150 mi)
Orbital inclination
  • 51.6° from Baikonur and Vostochny
  • 72° from Plesetsk
Mass
  • From Baikonur:
  • A: 7,430 kg (16,380 lb)
  • B: 8,670 kg (19,110 lb)
  • From Plesetsk:
  • A: 6,800 kg (15,000 lb)
  • B: 7,730 kg (17,040 lb)
  • From Vostochny:
  • A: 7,460 kg (16,450 lb)
  • B: 8,600 kg (19,000 lb)
Payload to Polar orbit
Altitude240 km (150 mi)
Orbital inclination98°
Mass
  • From Baikonur:
  • A: 5,830 kg (12,850 lb)
  • B: 7,030 kg (15,500 lb)
  • From Plesetsk:
  • A: 6,130 kg (13,510 lb)
  • B: 7,270 kg (16,030 lb)
  • From Vostochny:
  • A: 6,070 kg (13,380 lb)
  • B: 7,260 kg (16,010 lb)
Payload to TLI[a]
MassB: 2,350 kg (5,180 lb)[4]
Associated rockets
FamilyR-7 (Soyuz)
Based onSoyuz-FG
Derivative workSoyuz-ST
Soyuz-2.1v
Launch history
StatusActive
Launch sites
Total launches150 (A: 74, B: 76)
Success(es)145 (A: 71, B: 74)
Failure(s)4 (A: 2, B: 2)
Partial failure(s)1 (A: 1, B: 0)
First flight
  • A: 8 November 2004
  • B: 27 December 2006
Last flight
  • A: Active
  • B: Active
Carries passengers or cargo
Boosters (First stage) – Block B, V, G & D[b]
No. boosters4
Height19.6 m (64 ft 4 in)
Diameter2.68 m (8 ft 10 in)
Empty mass3,784 kg (8,342 lb)
Gross mass44,413 kg (97,914 lb)
Propellant mass
  • LOX: 27,900 kg (61,500 lb)
  • RP-1: 11,260 kg (24,820 lb)
Powered by1 × RD-107A
Maximum thrustSL: 838.5 kN (188,500 lbf)
vac: 1,021.3 kN (229,600 lbf)
Specific impulseSL: 262 s (2.57 km/s)
vac: 319 s (3.13 km/s)[5]
Burn time118 seconds
PropellantLOX / RP-1
Second stage (core) – Block A
Height27.1 m (88 ft 11 in)
Diameter2.95 m (9 ft 8 in)
Empty mass6,545 kg (14,429 lb)
Gross mass99,765 kg (219,944 lb)
Propellant mass
  • LOX: 63,800 kg (140,700 lb)
  • RP-1: 26,300 kg (58,000 lb)
Powered by1 × RD-108A
Maximum thrustSL: 792.5 kN (178,200 lbf)
vac: 990.2 kN (222,600 lbf)
Specific impulseSL: 255 s (2.50 km/s)
vac: 319 s (3.13 km/s)[5]
Burn time286 seconds
PropellantLOX / RP-1
Third stage – Block I
Height6.7 m (22 ft 0 in)
Diameter2.66 m (8 ft 9 in)
Empty mass2,355 kg (5,192 lb)
Gross mass27,755 kg (61,189 lb)
Propellant mass
  • LOX: 17,800 kg (39,200 lb)
  • RP-1: 7,600 kg (16,800 lb)
Powered byA: 1 × RD-0110
B: 1 × RD-0124
Maximum thrustA: 298.03 kN (67,000 lbf)
B: 294.3 kN (66,200 lbf)[6]
Specific impulseA: 325 s (3.19 km/s)
B: 359 s (3.52 km/s)[7]
Burn timeA: 250 seconds
B: 270 seconds
PropellantLOX / RP-1
Fourth stage (optional) – Fregat / Fregat-M[8]
HeightFregat: 1.875 m (6 ft 1.8 in)
Fregat-M: 1.945 m (6 ft 4.6 in)
DiameterFregat: 3.44 m (11 ft 3 in)
Fregat-M: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
Empty massFregat: 945 kg (2,083 lb)
Fregat-M: 1,035 kg (2,282 lb)
Gross massFregat: 6,235 kg (13,746 lb)
Fregat-M: 7,640 kg (16,840 lb)
Propellant massFregat: 5,307 kg (11,700 lb)
Fregat-M: 6,650 kg (14,660 lb)
Powered by1 × S5.92
Maximum thrust13.93–19.85 kN (3,130–4,460 lbf)
Specific impulse320–333.2 s (3.14–3.27 km/s)
Burn timeUp to 1,100 seconds (up to 7 starts)
PropellantN2O4 / UDMH
Fourth stage (optional) – Volga[9]
Height1.025 m (3 ft 4.4 in)
Diameter3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
Empty mass840 kg (1,850 lb)
Propellant mass300–900 kg (660–1,980 lb)
Powered by1 × 17D64[10]
Maximum thrust2.94 kN (660 lbf)
Specific impulse307 s (3.01 km/s)
PropellantN2O4 / UDMH
Close

In its standard configuration, Soyuz2 is a three-stage launch vehicle designed for low Earth orbit missions. Its stage numbering differs from most other rockets: its boosters are considered the first stage, while the central core is the second. For higher orbits like Molniya or geosynchronous, an optional upper (fourth) stage can be added. The most common upper stage is the Fregat, but the smaller, less expensive Volga is also an option. These upper stages have independent flight control systems.

The Soyuz2 family has two major variants, with the Soyuz2.1a being the base version that first launched on 8 November 2004. The Soyuz2.1b, with a 15 percent more powerful third stage, followed on 27 December 2006. In 2011, the SoyuzST was introduced, a derivative version with extensive modifications to launch from the Guiana Space Centre, the European Space Agency's spaceport in French Guiana. Soyuz launches from Guiana were suspended in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The derivative Soyuz-2.1v with a more powerful core stage and no boosters was introduced in December 2013.

The Soyuz2 rocket utilizes the existing facilities of its R-7 derived predecessors, Site 31/6 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and Sites 43/3 and 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northwestern Russia. In 2016, an additional launch location opened at Site 1S at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia.

The Soyuz2 has replaced the Molniya-M, Soyuz-U and Soyuz-FG rockets since 2010, 2017 and 2019 respectively.[11][12][13]

Variants

Summarize
Perspective

Soyuz 2.1a

The key advancement of the Soyuz2.1a is its digital flight control system, which replaces the analog system used in earlier Soyuz models.[4] This upgrade allows the rocket to adjust its trajectory mid-flight, a capability the analog system lacked, eliminating the need for a rotating launchpad. The digital system also supports the use of larger payload fairings, enabling the launch of heavier commercial satellites that the analog system could not handle due to the aerodynamic instability the fairings generate.[14]

The 2.1a retains the upgraded RD-107A engines on the first stage boosters and the RD-108A engine on the second stage core, initially introduced with the Soyuz-FG. These engines feature improved injection systems for enhanced performance.[4][15] The only change for the Soyuz-2 is the addition of a chemical ignition system.[16] Previously, engines were ignited pyrotechnically with a pair of small charges placed on a wooden stick inside each of the 32 combustion chambers.[17]

The Block I third stage continues to use the RD-0110 engine, but its structure has been unified with the upgraded third stage of the 2.1b to streamline production. These changes slightly enlarged the propellant tanks, enabling longer burn times.[3][14] The extra burn time combined with the physically lighter and more capable digital flight control system increased payload capacity by 300 kilograms (660 lb).[4]

The Soyuz2.1a conducted its maiden flight on 8 November 2004, launching from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 with a boilerplate payload simulating a Zenit-8 spy satellite.[4]

Soyuz 2.1b

The Soyuz2.1b has all the same features as the Soyuz2.1a but uses improved third stage built around the new RD-0124, an oxygen-rich closed-cycle engine. While the maximum thrust of the engine was slightly decreased from 298 to 294 kilonewtons (67,000 to 66,000 lbf), specific impulse (a measure of efficiency) was significantly increased 326 to 359 seconds (3.20 to 3.52 km/s) and burn time was increased by 20 seconds on the same quantity of propellants. Taken together, these changes improved payload capability. For example, payload capacity from the Baikonur Cosmodrome to low Earth orbit increased from 7,430 to 8,670 kilograms (16,380 to 19,110 lb).[18][19]

The first launch of a Soyuz2.1b occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 on 26 July 2008 with a classified military payload.[20]

Vostochny modifications

Modifications for the Vostochny Cosmodrome version of the Soyuz include the following:[21][22]

  • Upgraded Computer: The system boasts six times more performance, reduced weight, and significantly simplified cable networks through multiplexing lines and the use of common buses.[23][24][25]
  • Improved Batteries: New nickel-cadmium batteries eliminate the need for a dedicated battery charging station.
  • On-Board Video System: A video system has been added, enabling real-time views of the launch.
  • Adaptation for Vertical Integration: Due to the mobile gantry at Vostochny, which supports vertical payload integration, the rockets are equipped with piping to direct oxygen purges outside the gantry.

On 1 October 2015, it was revealed that parts of the assembly complex for the Soyuz-2 at Vostochny Cosmodrome were designed for a different rocket modification and were too small. This issue raised doubts about the planned first launch in December 2015.[26] The first launch successfully took place on 28 April 2016.[27]

Notable missions

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Perspective

Suborbital test flight

On 8 November 2004, at 18:30 UTC, the first Soyuz2 rocket, in the Soyuz2.1a configuration, was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The rocket followed a suborbital trajectory, with the third stage and Boilerplate landing in the Pacific Ocean.

Maiden launch

The first attempt at launching a Soyuz2 to orbit with the MetOp-A satellite occurred on 17 July 2006. It was scrubbed two hours before the launch by an automatic sequence after the onboard computer failed to check the launch azimuth. Fuelling of the rocket was underway at the time, and all launch complex equipment and onboard preliminary checks had proceeded without incident. The rocket was left fuelled on the launch pad for the next attempt on 18 July 2006. Launch was eventually conducted on 19 October 2006.

First crewed mission

The first crewed launch of Soyuz2 took place on 9 April 2020, carrying Soyuz MS-16 to the ISS.

Naphthyl fuel

Following successful ground testing, a naphthyl (Russian: нафтил) fueled Soyuz2.1b launch took place on 22 October 2022 at Vostochny. Naphthyl is an environmentally safe hydrocarbon fuel with fewer aromatic compounds than kerosene, which also slightly improves engine performance. There are only minor differences in thermal properties, viscosity, and surface tension, so this did not require significant engine changes.[28]

Launch statistics

Since 2006, Soyuz2 rockets have accumulated a total of 149 launches, 144 of which were successful, yielding a 97% success rate.

Launch outcomes

5
10
15
20
2006
2010
2015
2020
2025
  •   Failure
  •   Partial failure
  •   Success

Launch sites

5
10
15
20
2006
2010
2015
2020
2025
  •   Baikonur
  •   Plesetsk
  •   Vostochny

List of launches

More information Launch date Time (UTC), Configuration ...
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Planned launches

More information Launch date (UTC), Configuration ...
Launch date (UTC) Configuration Spaceport Result Payload Function Remark
17 June 2025[152] Soyuz2.1b / Fregat-M Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Ionosfera-M №3
Ionosfera-M №4
Ionospheric research
3 July 2025[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-31 ISS logistics
31 July 2025[152] Soyuz2.1b / Fregat-M Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Aist-2T №1
Aist-2T №2
rideshare
Earth observation
Various uses
11 September 2025[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-32 ISS logistics
27 November 2025[154] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31 Planned Soyuz MS-28 ISS crew transport
19 December 2025[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-33 ISS logistics
2025[155] Soyuz2.1a Plesetsk, Site 43 Planned Obzor-R №1 Earth observation
2025[156] Soyuz2.1a / Fregat Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Meteor-M No.2-5 Weather
2025[157] Soyuz2.1b Baikonur, Site 31/6 Planned Bion-M No.2 Biological science
2025[152] Soyuz2.1b Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Resurs-PM №1 Earth observation
2025[158][159] Soyuz2.1a / Fregat Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Kondor-FKA-M No.1 Reconnaissance
2025[156] Soyuz2.1a / Fregat Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Meteor-M No.2-6 Weather
2025[152] Soyuz2.1b Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Resurs-PM №2 Earth observation
2025 Soyuz2.1b / Fregat-M Plesetsk, Site 43 Planned GLONASS-K  18L Navigation
2025 Soyuz2.1b / Fregat-M Plesetsk, Site 43 Planned GLONASS-K  19L Navigation
2025[160] Soyuz2.1a / Fregat-M Plesetsk, Site 43 Planned Meridian-M 21L Communications
February 2026[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-34 ISS logistics
March 2026[154] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31 Planned Soyuz MS-29 ISS crew transport
May 2026[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-35 ISS logistics
August 2026[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-36 ISS logistics
September 2026[154] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31 Planned Soyuz MS-30 ISS crew transport
October 2026[153] Soyuz2.1a Baikonur, Site 31/6 Scheduled Progress MS-37 ISS logistics
2027[161] Soyuz2.1b / Fregat Vostochny, Site 1S Planned Luna 26 Lunar orbiter
Soyuz2.1b / Fregat Plesetsk, Site 43 Planned GLONASS-K 19–23 Navigation
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See also

Notes

  1. with Fregat from Baikonur
  2. This is a transliteration of the second through fifth letters of the Cyrillic alphabet (Б, В, Г, Д). The English translation is Block B, C, D & E.

References

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