Soyuz TMA Spacecraft Test Results
For validation of the proposed technical solutions on layout,
modifications of design and equipment of the Descent Module
(DM) a thorough 3-D volumetric modeling of the spacecraft
and testing of modified and new systems and assemblies were
carried out, among them:
- integrated drop tests in order to verify the strength
of DM modified shell and equipment attachment points,
functional check of new chairs and DM structure, determination
of shock impacts onto the crew to verify landing safety;
- integrated air-born tests to check interaction of new,
modified and derived systems and DM structure in flight
conditions on the portion of parachuting and landing.
Descent Module drop mockup testing
During drop tests three drops with maximum speeds were
carried out to verify DM structural characteristics and
8 drops to determine shock impacts onto the crew with a
nominal range of landing speeds.
During air-born tests one carried out functional and performance
check of modified systems during DM parachuting and touchdown,
verification of speeds and shock impacts onto the crew during
landing, an integrated check of interaction of modified
DM systems and assemblies during their functioning on the
portions of parachuting and landing. The air-borne tests
were implemented using an experimental facility based on
the Il-76 plane under the following programs:
- nominal landing with the main parachute system (MPS)
- drop #1 took place on December 24, 1998;
- MPS deployment, simulation of main parachute failure,
transfer to and landing with the reserve parachute system
(RPS)- drop #2 is implemented on April 8, 1999;
- landing with MPS in the conditions corresponding to
those that are available during launch vehicle failure
on the initial part of spacecraft insertion into orbit,
with MPS deployment at a height of five kilometers - drop
#3 is carried out on September 1, 1999;
- MPS deployment, simulation of main parachute system
brake parachute separation assembly failure, through which
the deployment of the main parachute in air stream is
excluded, transfer to and landing with RPS - drop #4 is
performed on December 1, 1999.
Landing of the DM mockup dropped from
the plane.
The performed development test of modified Soyuz TMA spacecraft
has confirmed that, in accordance with modification purposes,
the spacecraft provides:
- accommodation of a crew with an enlarged range of anthropometric
parameters;
- crew staying and activities in the Descent Module on
all flight portions;
- reduction of Descent Module speeds by 40-50% of nominal
values and by 30-40% of maximal values at ground touchdown
for all estimated landing cases;
- reduction of shock g-loads values at landing in accordance
with decrease of landing speeds.
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