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Question: Soyuz Descent Module Landing System
Hello. Can anyone provide any details about the sensor that is
mounted on the base of the Soyuz descent module for detecting the approach of the vehicle to the earth's surface, and at the appropriate time, sending the signal for firing the module's landing retro-rocket motors? I was told by a friend that it is a gamma-backscatter device with a 10-curie cobalt 60 (Co-60) source, but I am having trouble remembering some of the details I heard. I understand this is the reason for the radiation trefoil marking that is visible on the base of the module whenever the module is seen resting on its side on the ground. Specifically: 1. Is Co-60 the radioisotope that is used? 2. What is the activity of the source (in either traditional or SI units)? 3. What is the exposure rates to individuals seated in the descent module (in either traditional or SI units)? 4. Is the device equipped with a shutter and what is the exposure rate to people near the base of the module during recovery operations? 5. Is the heat shield jettisoned before landing in order to expose the sensor (and other things) prior to landing? Since Soyuz is known to come down in a variety of places and there always seem to be folks who look like curious civilians standing around [and yes, if one came down in my neighborhood, I would be one of them :)], it would seem you would need to think about dealing with a radiological problem in addition to the usual spacecraft handling pleasures (hypergols, ordnances) Thanks in advance for any information. John Pelchat |
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Question: Soyuz Descent Module Landing System
Sam Seiber wrote in message ...
rk wrote: Hi, I don't have the answer to your question but recently saw a book (I will be borrowing it soon, so I don't know if it's any good, perhaps someone here has read it) that might be useful: Soyuz: A Universal Spacecraft Rex D. Hall and David J. Shayler (c) 2003 Springer-Praxis books in astronomy and space sciences. -- rk Well rk, I don't think I have ever seen Springer-Praxis put out a bad book. I have purchaced several, and have been happy with them all. At something like $40 for the Soyuz, I am going to wait a few weeks before ordering this one. Sam Seiber Sam & RK Thank you for the great lead on the new book. I have a number of the Springer-Praxis books and enjoyed them all. Cripes almighty though, they are expensive. Fortunately a birthday and Christmas are around the corner ;) John |
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Question: Soyuz Descent Module Landing System
rk wrote: You're very welcome. I should get a loaner copy soon and I'll write a summary review, I'm interested in comparing US space technology, which I'm pretty familiar with, with non-US hardware and software for similar functions and applications. I'm looking forward to your review, as I'll probably try to get a copy through intra-library loan...Soyuz is a very interesting spacecraft , and since I presently have a 1/30th scale model of one within hand reach, and a grand total of 8 1/144th scale Soyuz and 2 Progress models within 30 feet of me, I can probably spring for the $1.00 library charge to get it...then on to that Apogee Dyna-Soar one.... Pat |
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