::: How to control a spaceship: Instructions The Soyuz series ships, which were promised a lunar future almost half a century ago, never left Earth orbit, but they gained a reputation as the most reliable passenger space transport. Let's look at them with the eyes of the ship's commander.
The Soyuz-TMA spacecraft consists of an instrumentation compartment (IAC), a descent module (DA) and an accommodation compartment (CO), with the SA occupying the central part of the ship. Just as in an airliner during takeoff and climb we are instructed to fasten our seat belts and not leave our seats, cosmonauts are also required to be in their seats, be fastened and not take off their spacesuits during the stage of putting the ship into orbit and the maneuver. After the end of the maneuver, the crew, consisting of the ship's commander, flight engineer-1 and flight engineer-2, is allowed to take off their spacesuits and move to the living compartment, where they can eat and go to the toilet. The flight to the ISS takes about two days, the return to Earth takes 3-5 hours. The Neptune-ME information display system (IDS) used in Soyuz-TMA belongs to the fifth generation of IDS for Soyuz series ships. As is known, the Soyuz-TMA modification was created specifically for flights to the International Space Station, which presupposed the participation of NASA astronauts wearing larger spacesuits. In order for astronauts to be able to get through the hatch connecting the household unit with the descent module, it was necessary to reduce the depth and height of the console, naturally, while maintaining its full functionality. The problem was also that a number of instrument components used in previous versions of SDI could no longer be produced due to the disintegration of the former Soviet economy and the cessation of some production. The Soyuz-TMA training complex, located at the Cosmonaut Training Center named after. Gagarin (Star City), includes a model of the descent vehicle and the service compartment. Therefore, the entire SDI had to be fundamentally redesigned. The central element of the ship's SOI was an integrated control panel, hardware compatible with an IBM PC type computer. Space remote control
The information display system (IDS) in the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft is called Neptune-ME. Currently, there is a newer version of SOI for the so-called digital Soyuz - ships of the Soyuz-TMA-M type. However, the changes affected mainly the electronic content of the system - in particular, the analog telemetry system was replaced with a digital one. Basically, the continuity of the “interface” has been preserved. 1. Integrated control panel (InPU). In total, there are two InPUs on board the descent module - one for the ship’s commander, the second for Flight Engineer 1 sitting on the left. 2. Numeric keyboard for entering codes (for navigation through the InPU display). 3. Marker control unit (used to navigate the InPU subdisplay). 4. Electroluminescent display unit for the current state of systems (TS). 5. RPV-1 and RPV-2 - manual rotary valves. They are responsible for filling the lines with oxygen from balloon cylinders, one of which is located in the instrumentation compartment, and the other in the descent vehicle itself. 6. Electro-pneumatic valve for oxygen supply during landing. 7. Special cosmonaut visor (SSC). During docking, the ship's commander looks at the docking station and observes the ship docking. To transmit the image, a system of mirrors is used, approximately the same as in a periscope on a submarine. 8. Motion control handle (DRC). With this help, the ship commander controls the engines to give the Soyuz-TMA linear (positive or negative) acceleration. 9. Using the attitude control stick (OCL), the ship commander sets the rotation of the Soyuz-TMA around the center of mass. 10. The refrigeration-drying unit (HDA) removes heat and moisture from the ship, which inevitably accumulates in the air due to the presence of people on board. 11. Toggle switches for turning on the ventilation of spacesuits during landing. 12. Voltmeter. 13. Fuse block. 14. Button for launching conservation of the ship after docking. The Soyuz-TMA resource is only four days, so it must be protected. After docking, power and ventilation are supplied by the orbital station itself. The article was published in the magazine “Popular Mechanics”
The Soyuz series spacecraft, which were promised a lunar future almost half a century ago, never left Earth orbit, but they gained a reputation as the most reliable passenger space transport. Let's look at them with the eyes of the ship's commander
The Soyuz-TMA spacecraft consists of an instrumentation compartment (IAC), a descent module (DA) and an accommodation compartment (CO), with the SA occupying the central part of the ship. Just as in an airliner during takeoff and climb we are instructed to fasten our seat belts and not leave our seats, cosmonauts are also required to be in their seats, be fastened and not take off their spacesuits during the stage of putting the ship into orbit and the maneuver. After the end of the maneuver, the crew, consisting of the ship's commander, flight engineer-1 and flight engineer-2, is allowed to take off their spacesuits and move to the living compartment, where they can eat and go to the toilet. The flight to the ISS takes about two days, the return to Earth takes 3-5 hours.
The Neptune-ME information display system (IDS) used in Soyuz-TMA belongs to the fifth generation of IDS for Soyuz series ships.
As is known, the Soyuz-TMA modification was created specifically for flights to the International Space Station, which presupposed the participation of NASA astronauts wearing larger spacesuits.
In order for astronauts to be able to get through the hatch connecting the household unit with the descent module, it was necessary to reduce the depth and height of the console, naturally, while maintaining its full functionality.
The problem was also that a number of instrument components used in previous versions of SDI could no longer be produced due to the disintegration of the former Soviet economy and the cessation of some production.
The Soyuz-TMA training complex, located at the Cosmonaut Training Center named after. Gagarin (Star City), includes a model of the descent vehicle and the service compartment.
Therefore, the entire SDI had to be fundamentally redesigned. The central element of the ship's SOI was an integrated control panel, hardware compatible with an IBM PC type computer.
Space remote control
The information display system (IDS) in the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft is called Neptune-ME. Currently, there is a newer version of SOI for the so-called digital Soyuz - ships of the Soyuz-TMA-M type. However, the changes affected mainly the electronic content of the system - in particular, the analogue telemetry system was replaced with a digital one. Basically, the continuity of the “interface” has been preserved.
1. Integrated control panel (InPU). In total, there are two InPUs on board the descent module - one for the ship’s commander, the second for Flight Engineer 1 sitting on the left.
2. Numeric keyboard for entering codes (for navigation through the InPU display).
3. Marker control unit (used to navigate the InPU subdisplay).
4. Electroluminescent display unit for the current state of systems (TS).
5. RPV-1 and RPV-2 - manual rotary valves. They are responsible for filling the lines with oxygen from balloon cylinders, one of which is located in the instrumentation compartment, and the other in the descent vehicle itself.
6. Electro-pneumatic valve for oxygen supply during landing.
7. Special cosmonaut visor (SSC). During docking, the ship's commander looks at the docking station and observes the ship docking. To transmit the image, a system of mirrors is used, approximately the same as in a periscope on a submarine.
8. Motion control handle (DRC). With this help, the ship commander controls the engines to give the Soyuz-TMA linear (positive or negative) acceleration.
9. Using the attitude control stick (OCL), the ship commander sets the rotation of the Soyuz-TMA around the center of mass.
10. The refrigeration-drying unit (HDA) removes heat and moisture from the ship, which inevitably accumulates in the air due to the presence of people on board.
11. Toggle switches for turning on the ventilation of spacesuits during landing.
12. Voltmeter.
13. Fuse block.
14. Button for launching conservation of the ship after docking. The Soyuz-TMA resource is only four days, so it must be protected. After docking, power and ventilation are supplied by the orbital station itself.
Flights on reusable spacecraft and space stations are becoming part of modern life, space TRAVEL is almost available. And, as a consequence of this, dreams about them become more common. A dream of this kind is often a simple FULFILLMENT of a WISH, a dream to see the world from another point in space. However, it can also be a dream about ESCAPE, travel or searching. Obviously, the key to understanding such a dream is the purpose of the journey. Another way to understand the meaning of a dream concerns the method of travel. Were you in a spaceship or something more familiar to you (like your car)?
A dream about space travel is good material for research. You may dream that you are lost and groping for something in a vast vacuum.
In your dream, did you really want to be in outer space or did you just find yourself there? Did you feel safe while there?
A very short time separates us from April 12, 1961, when Yuri Gagarin’s legendary Vostok stormed space, and dozens of spaceships had already been there. All of them, whether they have already flown or are just being born on sheets of whatman paper, are in many ways similar to each other. This allows us to talk about a spacecraft in general, as we simply talk about a car or an airplane, without having in mind a specific brand of car.
Both a car and an airplane cannot do without an engine, a driver’s cabin, and control devices. The spaceship also has similar parts.
When sending a person into space, designers take care of his safe return. The descent of the ship to Earth begins with a decrease in its speed. The role of a space brake is performed by corrective braking propulsion system. It also serves for conducting maneuvers in orbit. IN instrument compartment power sources, radio equipment, control system devices and other equipment are located. Cosmonauts make their way from orbit to Earth in lander, or as it is sometimes called, crew compartment.
In addition to the “mandatory” parts, spaceships have new units and entire compartments, their sizes and masses are increasing. So, the Soyuz spacecraft now has a second “room” - orbital compartment. Here, during multi-day flights, astronauts rest and conduct scientific experiments. For docking in space, ships are equipped with special docking points. The American spacecraft Apollo carries lunar module - compartment for landing astronauts on the Moon and returning them back.
We will get acquainted with the structure of a spacecraft using the example of the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft, which replaced the Vostok and Voskhod. Maneuvering and manual docking in space were carried out on the Soyuz, the world's first experimental space station was created, and two cosmonauts transferred from ship to ship. The controlled deorbiting system and much more were also tested on these ships.
IN instrumentation compartment"Soyuz" are located corrective braking propulsion system, consisting of two engines (if one engine fails, the second one turns on), and instruments that ensure orbital flight. Installed outside the compartment solar panels, antennas and system radiator thermoregulation.
The descent module is equipped with chairs. They are worn by astronauts when launching a spacecraft into orbit, maneuvering in space and when descending to Earth. In front of the astronauts is the spacecraft control panel. The descent vehicle contains both descent control systems and radio communication, life support, parachute, etc. systems. descent control motors And soft landing engines.
A round hatch leads from the descent module to the most spacious compartment of the ship - orbital. It contains workplaces for astronauts and places for them to rest. Here the inhabitants of the ship engage in sports exercises.
Now we can move on to a more detailed story about the spacecraft systems.
Space power plant
In orbit, the Soyuz resembles a soaring bird. This resemblance is given to it by the “wings” of open solar panels. To operate the spacecraft's instruments and devices, electrical energy is needed. The solar battery recharges the installed ones. on board chemical batteries. Even when the solar battery is in the shade, the ship’s instruments and mechanisms are not left without electricity; they receive it from the batteries.
Recently, some spacecraft have used fuel cells as power sources. In these unusual galvanic cells, the chemical energy of the fuel is converted into electrical energy without combustion (see article “GOELRO Plan and the Future of Energy”). Fuel - hydrogen is oxidized by oxygen. The reaction produces electric current and water. This water can then be used for drinking. Along with the high efficiency, this is a great advantage of fuel cells. The energy intensity of fuel cells is 4-5 times higher than that of batteries. However, fuel cells are not without their drawbacks. The most serious of them is a large mass.
The same drawback still prevents the use of atomic batteries in astronautics. Protecting the crew from the radioactive radiation of these power plants will make the ship too heavy.
Orientation system
Having separated from the last stage of the launch vehicle, the rapidly moving ship begins to rotate slowly and randomly. Try to determine in this position where the Earth is and where the “sky” is. In a tumbling cabin, it is difficult for astronauts to determine the location of the ship, it is impossible to conduct observations over celestial bodies, and the operation of the solar battery is impossible in this position. Therefore, the ship is forced to occupy a certain position in space - its orient. When making astronomical observations, they focus on some bright stars, the Sun or the Moon. To receive current from a solar battery, its panel must be directed towards the Sun. The approach of two ships requires their mutual orientation. Maneuvers can also only be started in an oriented position.
The spacecraft is equipped with several small attitude control thrusters. By turning them on and off in a certain order, the astronauts rotate the ship around any of the axes they choose.
Let's remember a simple school experiment with a water spinner. The reactive force of streams of water splashing from the ends of a tube suspended in different directions, bent in different directions, causes the pinwheel to rotate. The same thing happens with a spaceship. It is suspended perfectly - the ship is weightless. To rotate the ship relative to any axis, a pair of micromotors with oppositely directed nozzles is enough.
Turned on in a certain combination, several low-thrust engines can not only turn the ship as desired, but also give it additional acceleration or move it away from the original trajectory. Here is what pilot-cosmonauts A. G. Nikolaev and V. I. Sevastyanov wrote about the control of the Soyuz-9 spacecraft: “With the help of the control stick, including one or another group of orientation engines, it was possible to turn the ship in any direction, and using optical instruments, to orient the ship relative to the Earth with great accuracy. Even higher accuracy (up to several arc minutes) was achieved when the ship was oriented to the stars."
Spacecraft "Soyuz-4": 1 -
orbital compartment; 2 - descent vehicle, in which the astronauts return to Earth; 3 -
solar panel
short batteries; 4 -
instrumentation and assembly compartment.
However, "low thrust" is only sufficient to perform small maneuvers. Significant changes in the trajectory require the inclusion of a powerful corrective propulsion system.
The Soyuz routes run 200-300 km from the Earth’s surface. During a long flight, even in the very rarefied atmosphere that exists at such altitudes, the ship gradually slows down on the air and descends. If no measures are taken, the Soyuz will enter the dense layers of the atmosphere much earlier than the specified time. Therefore, from time to time the ship is transferred to a higher orbit by turning on the corrective braking propulsion system. The corrective installation works not only when moving to a higher orbit. The engine is turned on during the approach of ships during docking, as well as during various maneuvers in orbit.
On the Soyuz spacecraft there is a “fur coat” of screen-vacuum insulation.
Orientation is a very important part of spaceflight. But just orienting the ship is not enough. He still needs to be held in this position - stabilize. This is not so easy to do in unsupported outer space. One of the simplest stabilization methods is rotation stabilization. In this case, the property of rotating bodies to maintain the direction of the axis of rotation and resist its change is used. (You have all seen a children's toy - a top, stubbornly refusing to fall until it stops completely.) Devices based on this principle - gyroscopes, are widely used in automatic control systems for the movement of spacecraft (see the articles “Technology helps to drive airplanes” and “Automatic machines help navigators”). A rotating ship is like a massive gyroscope: its rotation axis practically does not change its position in space. When the sun's rays strike a solar panel perpendicular to its surface, the battery produces the highest electric current. Therefore, while recharging the batteries, the solar battery must “look” directly at the Sun. To do this, the ship carries out twist. First, the astronaut, turning the ship, looks for the Sun. The appearance of a luminary in the center of the scale of a special device means that the ship is oriented correctly. Now the micromotors turn on, and the ship spins around the ship-Sun axis. By changing the tilt of the spacecraft's rotation axis, astronauts can change the illumination of the battery and thus regulate the strength of the current received from it. Controlling a spacecraft Rotational stabilization is not the only way to maintain the position of a spacecraft in space. While performing other operations and maneuvers, the ship is stabilized by the thrust of the attitude control system engines. This is done as follows. First, the astronauts, turning on the corresponding micromotors, turn the ship into the desired position. After orientation is completed, the gyroscopes begin to rotate control systems. They "remember" the position of the ship. While the spacecraft remains in a given position, the gyroscopes are “silent,” that is, they do not issue signals to the attitude control engines. However, with each turn of the ship, its hull shifts relative to the axes of rotation of the gyroscopes. At the same time, gyroscopes provide the necessary commands to the engines. The micromotors turn on and with their thrust return the ship to its original position.
However, before “turning the wheel,” the astronaut must imagine exactly where his ship is now. The driver of ground transport is guided by various stationary objects. In outer space, astronauts navigate by nearby celestial bodies and distant stars.
The Soyuz navigator always sees Earth in front of him on the control panel of the spacecraft - navigation globe. This “Earth” is never covered by a cloud cover, like a real planet. This is not just a three-dimensional image of the globe. During flight, two electric motors rotate the globe simultaneously around two axes. One of them is parallel to the Earth's rotation axis, and the other is perpendicular to the orbital plane of the spacecraft. The first movement models the daily rotation of the Earth, and the second - the flight of the ship. There is a small cross on the fixed glass under which the globe is installed. This is our "spaceship". At any time, an astronaut, looking at the surface of the globe under the crosshairs, sees over which region of the Earth he is currently located.
To the question "Where am I?" Astronauts, like sailors, are helped by a long-known navigation device - sextant. A space sextant is somewhat different from a sea sextant: it can be used in the cockpit of a ship without going onto its “deck”.
Cosmonauts see the real Earth through the porthole and through optical sight This device, installed on one of the windows, helps determine the angular position of the ship relative to the Earth. With his help, the Soyuz-9 crew carried out orientation by the stars.
Not hot and not cold
Orbiting the Earth, the ship plunges either into the dazzling hot rays of the Sun, or into the darkness of the frosty cosmic night. And the astronauts work in light sports suits, experiencing neither heat nor cold, because the cabin is constantly maintained at the room temperature familiar to a person. The ship's instruments also feel great in these conditions - after all, man created them to work in normal earthly conditions.
It's not just direct sunlight that heats a spaceship. About half of all solar heat that falls on Earth is reflected back into space. These reflected rays further heat the ship. The temperature of the compartments is also affected by the instruments and units operating inside the ship. They do not use the majority of the energy they consume for its intended purpose, but release it in the form of heat. If this heat is not removed from the ship, the heat in the pressurized compartments will soon become unbearable.
Protecting the spacecraft from external heat flows and discharging excess heat into space are the main tasks thermal control systems.
Before the flight, the ship is dressed in a fur coat screen-vacuum insulation. Such insulation consists of many alternating layers of thin metallized film - screens, between which a vacuum is formed during flight. This is a reliable barrier to the hot rays of the sun. In the spaces between the screens there are layers of fiberglass or other porous materials.
All parts of the ship that, for one reason or another, are not covered with a screen-vacuum blanket, are coated with coatings capable of reflecting most of the radiant energy back into space. For example, surfaces coated with magnesium oxide absorb only a quarter of the heat incident on them.
And yet, using only such passive protective equipment, it is impossible to protect the ship from overheating. Therefore, more effective methods are used on manned spacecraft. active means of thermal regulation.
There is a tangle of metal tubes on the inner walls of the sealed compartments. A special liquid circulates in them - coolant. Installed outside the ship radiator-fridge, the surface of which is not covered with screen-vacuum insulation. The tubes of the active thermal control system are connected to it. The coolant fluid heated inside the compartment is pumped into a radiator, which “throws out” and radiates unnecessary heat into outer space. The cooled liquid is then returned to the ship to start over.
Warm air is lighter than cold air. As it heats up, it rises; pushing down cold, heavier layers. Natural mixing of air occurs - convection. Thanks to this phenomenon, the thermometer in your apartment, no matter what corner you place it in, will show almost the same temperature.
In zero gravity such mixing is impossible. Therefore, in order to distribute heat evenly throughout the entire volume of the spacecraft cabin, it is necessary to arrange forced convection in it using ordinary fans.
In space as on Earth
On Earth we don't think about air. We just breathe it. In space, breathing becomes a problem. There is space vacuum and emptiness around the ship. To breathe, astronauts must take air supplies with them from Earth.
A person consumes about 800 liters of oxygen per day. It can be stored on a ship in cylinders either in a gaseous state under high pressure or in liquid form. However, 1 kg of such liquid “drags” into space 2 kg of metal from which oxygen cylinders are made, and compressed gas is even more - up to 4 kg per 1 kg of oxygen.
But you can do without cylinders. In this case, it is not pure oxygen that is loaded onto the spacecraft, but chemical substances containing it in bound form. There is a lot of oxygen in the oxides and salts of some alkali metals, in the well-known hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, oxides have another very significant advantage: simultaneously with the release of oxygen, they purify the cabin atmosphere, absorbing gases harmful to humans.
The human body continuously consumes oxygen, while producing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor and many other substances. Accumulating in the closed volume of the ship's compartments, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can cause poisoning to astronauts. Cabin air is constantly passed through vessels containing alkali metal oxides. In this case, a chemical reaction occurs: oxygen is released, and harmful impurities are absorbed. For example, 1 kg of lithium superoxide contains 610 g of oxygen and can absorb 560 g of carbon dioxide. Activated carbon, tested in the first gas masks, is also used to purify the air in sealed cabins.
In addition to oxygen, astronauts take supplies of water and food during the flight. Regular tap water is stored in durable containers made of plastic film. To prevent water from spoiling and losing its taste, a small amount of special substances - so-called preservatives - is added to it. Thus, 1 mg of ionic silver dissolved in 10 liters of water keeps it drinkable for six months.
A tube extends from the water tank. It ends with a mouthpiece with a locking device. The astronaut takes the mouthpiece into his mouth, presses the locking device button and sucks in water. This is the only way to drink in space. In zero gravity, water slips out of open containers and, breaking up into small balls, floats around the cabin.
Instead of the pasty purees that the first cosmonauts took with them, the Soyuz crew eats regular “earthly” food. The ship even has a miniature kitchen where ready-made lunches are heated.
In pre-launch photographs, Yuri Gagarin, German Titov and other space pioneers are dressed in spacesuits, smiling faces look at us through the glass helmets. And now a person cannot go into outer space or onto the surface of another planet without a spacesuit. Therefore, spacesuit systems are constantly being improved.
A spacesuit is often compared to a sealed cabin reduced to the size of a human body. And rightly so. The spacesuit is not one suit, but several, put on each other. Heat-resistant outerwear is painted white, which reflects heat rays well. Under the outerwear there is a suit made of screen-vacuum thermal insulation, and under it there is a multilayer shell. This ensures the suit is completely sealed.
Anyone who has ever worn rubber gloves or boots knows how uncomfortable a suit that does not allow air to pass through is. But astronauts do not experience such inconveniences. The ventilation system of the spacesuit saves a person from them. Gloves, boots, and a helmet complete the “outfit” of an astronaut going into outer space. The helmet's porthole is equipped with a light filter that protects the eyes from blinding sunlight.
The astronaut has a backpack on his back. It contains a supply of oxygen for several hours and an air purification system. The backpack is connected to the spacesuit by flexible hoses. Communication wires and a safety rope - a halyard - connect the astronaut to the ship. A small jet engine helps the astronaut “float” in space. This pistol-shaped gas engine was used by American astronauts.
The ship continues to fly. But astronauts do not feel lonely. Hundreds of invisible threads connect them with their native Earth.
