Updates Soyuz-ST launch complex in Kourou

[tblaxland]

On the last pic, are they sure the lightning rod tower standing right in the fire pit is OK?

Structurally, it doesn't look too bad given that it is not in the direct path of the exhaust, ie, the wind loads would not be so bad. Any such wind loads would also be applied at the base of the structure so the moment would not be so large. A decent hurricane would be worse, I expect.

Thermally, the loads would be very transient and hence not a big issue. Consider what some elements of the LC-39 Fixed Service Structures are exposed to during a Shuttle launch.

I notice at Baikonur the towers are further away. Maybe the greater lightning risk (due to tropical location) requires such proximity?

 

[SiberianTiger]

I notice at Baikonur the towers are further away. Maybe the greater lightning risk (due to tropical location) requires such proximity?

Certainly, Baikonur has much steadier weather than Kourou and thunderstorms are rare there. Another thing is that the fire pit there is different on the LC1: it's much deeper and wider. It would take a lightning rod twice as tall to put there at the same distance.

One unusual shot of the pit: from down below

 

[Urwumpe]

On the last pic, are they sure the lightning rod tower standing right in the fire pit is OK?

Yes they are - the plans are like that for a while and the placement is not in the flame path - the hole just has to be larger for acoustical reasons as R7 launchers don't use water spray sound suppression systems.

 

[SiberianTiger]

The petal support towers are mounted at the Soyuz LC in Kourou:

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2009/2009_04_30_soyuz_launchsite_update.asp

The nearly-completed Soyuz launch system is visible in this wide-angle image. The four primary support arms are shown in their closed position, which forms a support ring around the “waist” of Soyuz to suspend the vehicle over its launch pad.

This view details the rail infrastructure that supports Soyuz operations on the launch pad. In the foreground is a straight section of track that leads to the Launcher Assembly Building, which will be utilized for the rollout of Soyuz vehicles on their transporter/erector. The curved portion of track (visible coming from the right) will be used for a rail car that brings kerosene propellant for the fueling of Soyuz’ boosters and Block A core stage. An additional load of kerosene that is maintained at a cooler temperature will be delivered by a wheeled truck for the fueling of Soyuz’ Block I third stage.

The transporter/erector system for Soyuz is shown inside the Launcher Assembly Building. Once a basic Soyuz vehicle’s integration is completed horizontally inside this building, the launcher is positioned atop the transporter/erector by two overhead cranes (one of which is partly visible in the upper background). The transporter/erector is then transferred on a rail line to the launch pad, where Soyuz will be raised for integration of its payload and final launch operations.

 

[Notebook]

Nice pics, wonder when the last brand-new Soyuz launcher was built?

N.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Nice pics, wonder when the last brand-new Soyuz launcher was built?

N.

What do you mean, please?

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

What do you mean, please?

I think he means:

When was the last time that a brand new lauch complex for Soyuz was constructed?

 

[Notebook]

Yes, thats what I mean.

N.

 

[SiberianTiger]

I think he means:

When was the last time that a brand new lauch complex for Soyuz was constructed?

The youngest should be SK-4 in Area 43, Plesetsk then. Although it has been constructed around 1961, the first 8k74 launch was commenced from one on July 25, 1967.

 

[Notebook]

I wonder if they use new materials, or stick with the existing design? Must be tempting to update it.

N.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Sergey Tyulevin, a Deputy Managing Director of the Samara Space Centre reported to media today (May 22, 2009) that the two first Soyuz-ST rockets have finished their production and test cycle and are put inside containers where they will await shipping to Kourou in September.

Four more Soyuz-ST launch vehicles are in production targeting to be shipped over 2010.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Arianespace has published another set of images from the Soyuz ST LC construction site at Kourou Space Centre:
http://www.arianespace.com/news-soyuz-vega/2009/2009_06_03_soyuz_launchsite_update.asp

The four primary support arms that suspend Soyuz over its launch pad are shown in their opened position:

The erected Soyuz will be partially positioned inside this 15-meter-wide circular opening on the launch table:

The rail-mounted transporter/erector system that will transfer horizontally-integrated Soyuz vehicles out to the launch pad is shown inside the Launcher Assembly Building:

Testing of the transporter/erector will be made using this fixture, which represents the Soyuz’ mass and its lower dimensions:

 

[tblaxland]

Testing of the transporter/erector will be made using this fixture, which represents the Soyuz’ mass and its lower dimensions:

An interesting piece of equipment. If nothing else, it shows just how light an empty Soyuz is.

 

[SiberianTiger]

An interesting piece of equipment. If nothing else, it shows just how light an empty Soyuz is.

Take into account that in Kourou, rockets will be rolled out and erected without their payload assembles, which are to be attached inside the service town when the launcher is already in the vertical position. Certainly, this lowers the mass to be transported over.

 

[tblaxland]

Interesting to see a Soyuz moving toward vertical integration . Are there plans for weather protection for payload integration operations? I think most tropical climes are lucky to go one day without precipitation of some kind.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Are there plans for weather protection for payload integration operations? I think most tropical climes are lucky to go one day without precipitation of some kind.

Yes, like pictured here:

 

[Arrowstar]

I suppose this means Russia intends to stay with Soyuz for some time then?

 

[SiberianTiger]

I suppose this means Russia intends to stay with Soyuz for some time then?

Old wine and friends improve with age. As long as it finds market, it will be produced; secondly, this is our only man-rated launcher.

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://en.rian.ru/science/20090616/155269798.html

The launch of Russia's modernized Soyuz-ST carrier rocket from the Kourou space center in French Guiana has been put off until the first half of 2010, the director of a space design bureau said on Tuesday.

Igor Barmin, head of the KBOM space design bureau, said the launch was planned for December 2009, but was delayed for unspecified reasons.

meanwhile...

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMCUA3XTVF_index_0.html

Yesterday at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, ESA and Arianespace signed a contract for the launch of the first four operational Galileo satellites on two Soyuz launch vehicles from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.