Soyuz TMA-16 atop Soyuz FG on September 30, 2009

[Thorton]

No, there was guidance system fairure on descend module, so trajectory was more steeper as oppossed to "normal" ballistic descend.

 

[Urwumpe]

I'm not completely sure either, - at least the entry angle was way off nominal.

No, there was guidance system fairure on descend module, so trajectory was more steeper as oppossed to "normal" ballistic descend.

Well, the book (Soyuz - A universal spacecraft) says that after the third stage abort, the engine of the PAO got fired retrograde, but does not say if this was automatic or by crew action.

 

[Thorton]

I have some doubts that its possible at all (PAO engines fire), if launch time less than 500 seconds and fairings are jettisoned, abort system provide SA+BO detachching, but PAO remains on Block I.
Such high deceleration loads were caused by SA guidance failure, guidance system oriented SA thereby so lift forse were pointed to reverse direction.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Such high deceleration loads were caused by SA guidance failure, guidance system oriented SA thereby so lift forse were pointed to reverse direction.

That's what I meant by 'flying inverted'.

 

[Urwumpe]

Here is the Wikipedia version of the story, I still search the book in my boxes...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_18a

EDIT: From the book:

[...]Then came another brisk jolt, as explosive charges separated the Soyuz from the booster and parted their Descent Module from the Orbital and Propulsion Modules. at an altitude of 90 miles, the abort signal was received by the spacecraft computer and the separation from the upper stage was triggered by the firing of the propulsion system in the PM to take it to a safe distance before separating the three modules of the Soyuz.

 

[SiberianTiger]

The peak G's must have just been passed.

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They have followed nominal controlled descent program. Touching down in 15 minutes.

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Helicopters have arrived at the landing site, while confirmation of parachute deployment is pending.

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[...]Then came another brisk jolt, as explosive charges separated the Soyuz from the booster and parted their Descent Module from the Orbital and Propulsion Modules. at an altitude of 90 miles, the abort signal was received by the spacecraft computer and the separation from the upper stage was triggered by the firing of the propulsion system in the PM to take it to a safe distance before separating the three modules of the Soyuz.

Correct, the procedure of separation at this stage of flight requires main engine's firing to move away from the rocket body and then separation of the modules.

It's still a question, though, what direction the firing was made to.

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Meanwhile, everything is on track for the TMA-16...

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Waiting for a touchdown confirmation...

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There is a confirmation, but still no video or images from the site.

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The capsule has rolled over to its side because of strong winds blowing.

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Landing cushion rockets' fire WAS observed. Welcome home, Max and Jeff! :tiphat:

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Roscosmos regrets lack of live coverage of the landing: they explain it like the Hammer SUV carrying the sat transmitter equipment for the reporters got stuck in a deep snow on its way towards the landing site.

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Soyuz TMA-16 landing picture:



Hi-res: http://twitpic.com/19beqt/full

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Picture of TMA-16 leaving reentry trail back-dropped against the Aral Sea:



Hi-res: http://twitpic.com/19bk9t/full

Jeff and Max after landing, their capsule in background. Max has got a papakha which is a part of the newly styled Russian military officer's uniform (recently introduced)! :jiggy:

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One shot of the departing Soyuz:

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Max is funny, as he always is! :lol:

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More unordered pictures:

 

[Star Voyager]

Spaceflightnow says they landed in "blizzard-like conditions". If this is true, then that means that 45 years ago today, on Voskhod 2 (first EVA), they too landed in the middle of nowhere in Siberia. There was also Soyuz 23 that landed on Lake Tengiz in a snowstorm. Why does this happen so often? That I can tell you in one word:

And here's the Spaceflightnow article:

http://spaceflightnow.com/station/exp22/100318landing.html

 

[SiberianTiger]

There was also Soyuz 23 that landed on Lake Tengiz in a snowstorm. Why does this happen so often? That I can tell you in one word: (tradition)http://spaceflightnow.com/station/exp22/100318landing.html

Hmm, do you believe a handful of times in a half century is really enough to call it a tradition?

BTW, here is a video that's comprised of TMA-16 departure and landing highlights:

 

[Logifech]

Welcome Home Expedition 22

 

[SiberianTiger]

Welcome Home Expedition 16

Expedition 22! Yes, these alternative numbering systems are confusing.

 

[Logifech]

Yes you're right

 

[SiberianTiger]

The precise landing point coordinates are: 50°46'51.4"N, 67°27'53.3"E

Now look how neatly they've hit the lake Kaskakoll'

The weeds visible at the touchdown pictures were actually some withered bulrush protruding from ice!

 

[Star Voyager]

Hmm, do you believe a handful of times in a half century is really enough to call it a tradition?

No, I was facetious ! Sorry if I offended you.

 

[SiberianTiger]

No, I was facetious ! Sorry if I offended you.

Not at all. The clip is just fitting in a sense. Look who have founded practical spaceflight in Russia: Kondatyuk, Schternfeld, Khariton, Rauschenbach, Zeldovich, Chertok and others - it's difficult to find someone who's not a Jew among them!