In this part of the series on the early days of space flights, after detailing the early Soyuz flights, we detail the destination of the next Soyuz spacecraft - the Soliot model space laboratories that were the Soviet hit in the seventies
On April 19, 1971, the Soliot 1 space laboratory was launched. The launch was to be held before the opening of the Communist Party Congress in Moscow on March 27. Difficulties led to the postponement of the launch. Soliot 1, which was defined as a multi-purpose laboratory, circled the Earth in an orbit that is 200-222 km from the ground, the angle of inclination is 51.6 degrees and the duration of the orbit is 88.5 minutes.
The goals of the launch were:
A. To perfect the basics of design and systems.
B. to continue scientific research and experiments in space.
third. check it before a pilot is brought up to it.
Soliot 1 transmitted very little information. In preparation for the launch, three research ships were sent to the Atlantic Ocean. On April 27, its route was increased to 251-277 km. On June 30.6, the route was changed to 235-295 km. A few days later, after the landing of Soyuz 11 on July 7, the route was changed to 250-270 km. On July 8 Soliot 1 was put to the most severe test. It almost collided with an American research satellite. On December 11, the space laboratory completed its mission, entered the atmosphere at a chosen point and burned up there. From the moment Soyuz 11 landed until the burning of Soliot 1, several technical experiments were conducted using control systems from Earth.
The structure of the laboratory
Soliot's length is 12.9 meters, its maximum diameter is four meters and its weight is 19 tons. Its area is 38 square meters and its volume is 100 cubic meters. The laboratory has three cells, a passage cell with a maximum diameter of two meters, the laboratory itself has two parts - a front one with a diameter of three meters and a back one with a diameter of four meters and a toilet cell. Without the toilet, the length of the laboratory is 10.5 meters.
the transit cell
The transition chamber is used to move between the laboratory and the Soyuz spacecraft and contains the access and attachment systems. The cell is used for scientific observations. It contains the air conditioning system, environmental control system, scientific equipment, control panels and beds. On the outer wall are a surveillance antenna, ion meters, spotlights, a TV camera, sun visors, part of the air conditioning system, spiral air tanks and a telescope called Orion for research in the ultraviolet field. Behind the telescope are food containers, hygiene and sanitation equipment and a special atmospheric pump to remove dust, objects floating in the laboratory and chemical substances that contaminate the body of the laboratory. A partition separates the transition chamber from the laboratory. It can be closed manually or automatically in the event of a leak. This arrangement is also found in the other compartments except the bathroom compartment.
the laboratory
The laboratory has two cylindrical parts, one part with a diameter of three meters connected to the transit chamber and the other with a diameter of four meters. The two parts are connected by a thin adapter. The laboratory contains the subsistence system, water and food, radio, telemetry, television, photographic devices, power and navigation system, control panels, medical equipment, biological experiment system, voice recorder and flight log. Some of the equipment is inside a chimney-like configuration located at the edge of the lab. Thermometers, communication antennas, telemetry antennas, solar meters and sun shields are attached to the outer wall. The laboratory also has household appliances such as an electric refrigerator, a stove for cooking, a boiler for heating water, a vacuum cleaner, a library and two comfortable armchairs. The astronauts can move freely in the laboratory without bumping into the equipment and devices fixed on the sides. All this thanks to special handles and outposts.
The service compartment
In this compartment is the laboratory engine, which is nothing but the engine of the Soyuz spacecraft. Nearby are control systems for track corrections, stabilization, navigation, fuel tanks and engines for altitude and track changes. In the upper part of the toilet compartment there are gas tanks for the subsistence system and various power sources. Attached to the outer wall are communication antennas, antennas for track control, spotlights, thermometers, ion meters, a TV camera and sun racks.
מזון
The astronauts eat four meals a day. Each meal is individually packaged and stored in the refrigerator. The food portions are packed in small metal containers. The portions are arranged by serial number to allow monitoring of the astronauts' physiological processes involved in eating. The food is homemade and contains sausages, chicken meat, steaks, borscht, coffee, fruit juices, spices, sauce and patties.
hygiene
The astronauts bathe every day with wet towels and dry towels that are inside a hygienic case. There are also napkins in the box. Each astronaut has several pairs of bricks. The space conditions caused problems regarding teeth cleaning and for this purpose a new solution was found. The astronauts chew fruit-flavored gum that cleans the mouth. To avoid infections in the laboratory, the material can be swallowed. There is also a bathroom in the cabin.
medicine
The lab has a medical robot that takes blood samples, performs heart rate, breathing and blood pressure tests. All data is transmitted to Israel. The medical equipment includes an EKG, an encephalogram and devices for measuring bone density within seconds with an emphasis on the calcium content.
atmosphere
A mixture of oxygen and nitrogen at a pressure of two atmospheres. The atmosphere is kept pure by its cyclic movement through chemical purifiers that absorb the 2 CO, produce more oxygen than necessary and filter water, vapors and impurities.
תקשורת
A radio and television connection with the laboratory exists only that it is within the reception range of the control center. In addition to this, there is a channel that is used for radio transmissions only and it is done using a communication ship and the Moleniya communication satellite.
daily work order
The day is divided into three: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of rest and 8 hours of sleep. The rest hours are the free hours of the astronauts. During this time they can engage in personal activities such as reading, listening to music, contact with the country and more.
Soyuz 10
On April 23, 1971, Soyuz 10 was launched with the astronauts Vladimir Shatalov, the flight commander, Alexei Ilysiav, the flight engineer, and Nikolai Rokbyshnikov, the test engineer. The flight path was 208-246 km, the angle of inclination 51.6 degrees and the duration of the lap 89 minutes. The weight of the spacecraft is 6.5 tons. The goals of the flight were:
A. Connect with Soliot 1 - this goal included sub-goals:
1. Testing the possibility of remote maneuvering and navigation.
2. Testing of new communication and attachment methods in space.
3. Testing the adhesion rings built with a new method.
B. Performing experiments with Soliot 1.
third. Testing the new systems of Soyuz 10 and the systems of the space laboratory, especially the navigation and control systems.
d. Conducting biomedical studies in everything related to the effect of space conditions on the human body.
Until April 24, routine trials were conducted and most of the designated goals were implemented. On this day, after six hours of sleep, the connection with Soliot was made. For this purpose, the spacecraft performed maneuvers and course changes related to docking. The docking maneuvers were performed automatically up to a distance of 180 meters from the space laboratory. From then on, Soyuz 10 navigates manually until connecting. The connection itself was carried out under supervision from the ground 25 hours and 53 minutes after the launch. Stalov performed more than 10 complicated maneuvers during the meeting. The approach, connection and disconnection indicated the difficulties involved in attaching two bodies of unequal mass such as the small Soyuz and the large Soliot. The laboratory and Soyuz were connected for five and a half hours. Most of the time they were connected, but they were disconnected and connected a few times. Rokbyshnikov performed important tests and technical experiments during the connection. The entire maneuver was televised from a camera placed on the side of the space laboratory.
After spending 47 hours and 46 minutes in space, on April 25, Soyuz 10 landed 120 km from Karaganda. The landing was at night. Shortly before the spaceship reached the ground, there was a fear that the spaceship with its crew would drown in the lake. At the last moment a gust of wind diverted the spacecraft and it landed 40 meters from the lake shore. Rokbyshnikov had "acute visual and physical impressions and various difficulties during the flight". It was later reported that the connection of Soyuz 10 to the space laboratory almost ended in disaster and fortunately the astronauts could be safely returned to Israel.
Soyuz 11
On June 6, 1971, Soyuz 11 was launched with the astronauts Giorgi Dobrobolsky, the flight commander, Vladislav Volkov, the flight engineer, and Viktor Patasiev, the test engineer. The flight was scheduled for three weeks until June 27. To make it easier for the Soyuz 11 pilots, the work week was planned very carefully. The weight of the spacecraft is 6.5 tons.
The goals of the flight were:
1. To connect with Soliot and continue the set of scientific and technical experiments and research for the use of space for peaceful purposes
2. Check the navigation systems of the space laboratory and its maneuverability.
3. To conduct geological and geographical observations on the earth with special attention to the snow and ice cover to help solve economic problems.
4. Discover minerals.
5. Conduct meteorological measurements and observations. These measurements are compared with the meteorological satellite data "Meteor". The goal is to photograph clouds, cyclones, typhoons and more.
6. Conduct medical and biological experiments. Continue research to neutralize the effect of weightlessness on the human body.
In previous flights it became clear that the lack of weight severely affects the legs. To prevent this, the astronauts must perform exercises during the flight to maintain the fitness of the muscles in these conditions. They must perform walking and exercise twice a day for 40 minutes in the morning and 70 minutes later in the day. Urine and stool samples were returned to Israel.
Zoological experiments were also performed under conditions of weightlessness. 3 hours before the launch, a tank containing Drosophila butterflies was put into the spacecraft. These reproduce quickly, so the effect of the lack of weight on the offspring can be checked immediately. Similar experiments were also conducted with frog eggs that were brought in the Soyuz spacecraft.
7. Investigate the nearby stars, observations to determine the density of meteorites and measure radiation rates
8. Military goals - to detect nuclear submarines in infrared.
the space suit
The astronauts were equipped with new space suits. Such a suit allows the muscles to operate at their full potential for extended periods. The suit creates pressure on the body similar to that of gravity and allows the wearer to work in the most comfortable way. This suit is made of a dark jacket and light pants that look a bit like riding pants. The pants are elastic and have springs in them to make walking easier. The suit guarantees a normal return to Israel and prevents the bones from hardening into lime. The one who wears this suit walks in a special way that reminds of a penguin's walk and therefore it is called a penguin.
First week, from June 6 to 12
June 6 - Upon launch, Soyuz 11 entered an orbit that is 185-217 km from the ground, the angle of inclination is 51.6 degrees and the duration of the orbit is 88.3 minutes. After the first lap, a TV broadcast was held. Six hours after the launch, the route was changed. 10 hours were devoted to rest.
June 7 - today another change was made in the flight path. The spacecraft moved to an orbit that is 211-249 km from the ground. From that moment when the trajectory was changed, on the day of the launch, until today, until the attachment, the two bodies flew at a distance of 6-7 km from each other. Up to a distance of 100 meters the approach was automatic. In the last 100, Dobrobolsky manually operated the spacecraft. The attachment was made 26 hours and 59 minutes after launch, outside the reception range of the control center. After the connection, the electrical and hydraulic systems of the spacecraft and Soliot were connected. The astronauts tested the operation of the systems. The pressures between the laboratory and the spacecraft were compared. The opening of the connecting tunnel opened and the three astronauts moved to Soliot. This transition lasts several hours. Upon entering the laboratory, they began work and made a television broadcast. The main work on this day was to prepare the Soliot for the long stay in it.
The TAS news agency's announcement about the move to the space laboratory was that "the new cosmic system - a station circling the Earth and transport spacecrafts that serve it, opens up broad horizons for future research and control of space for the benefit of science and the economy."
June 8 - The space laboratory got too close to the upper layers of the atmosphere and there was a danger that it would enter the atmosphere and burn up. The flight path had to be changed. Dobrobolsky activated the laboratory engine for 73 seconds. The flight path was 239-265 km. The space laboratory and the spacecraft as one body are called "Cosmodom 1" (space house). The preparation of the laboratory for the stay has been completed. The Soyuz power supply system was disconnected and the astronauts moved into the laboratory.
June 9 - The flight path was increased for the fourth time and it was 259-282 km. This orbit allowed for better scientific observations. Afterwards, a television broadcast was held in which the astronauts demonstrated the "Penguin", the new space suits and performed some gymnastics exercises. In the broadcast, Dobrobolsky was seen hovering in the space of one of the cells and then one of his friends pulled him and put him in a chair.
Today, medical and biological experiments were conducted that included cycling exercises. The rate of radiation was measured, observations were made of meteorites and comprehensive tests were made in the Soyuz spacecraft to ensure their return to Earth.
June 10 - the operation of the Soyuz systems was temporarily stopped and an inspection was conducted to ensure a safe return to Israel. The medical experiments included testing the activity of the astronauts' hearts and arteries and the density of the tissues in the bones. Today all the laboratory systems were put into operational activity and it was possible to start technical and scientific experiments. One of the attempts was to test a 190-degree wide-angle sextant. Patasiv said that it is easy to operate this device. For the first time, the weather forecast was broadcast from a manned space laboratory.
June 11 - The Soyuz 9 pilots who stayed in space for 18 days developed many problems with their heart function, damage to their muscle tissues and loss of calcium in their bones. These physiological discoveries were a decisive factor in the flight of Soyuz 11. For this reason, its pilots devoted time to checking the content of calcium in the bones, the balance of fluids in the body and other systems in the body.
Today the frogs' eggs have turned into frogs. At this point they were frozen by Dobrobolsky. The biologists were interested in knowing how the organic balance of these animals was created in weightless conditions. The organic balance of frogs and humans is similar.
June 12 - Research into the effect of weightlessness on the human body continued on this day as well, and blood pressure and heart rate were also measured, topographic maps were drawn, and atmospheric studies were conducted. The astronauts complained that the work was too much and complicated. It was decided to carry out the work in shifts, two working and one sleeping. And indeed the first thing they did after finishing work was rest.
Second week, from June 13 to 19
13
In June - continue to photograph clouds and areas of geological interest. The astronauts participated in the elections that were held that day for the Soviets in the Soviet Union.
June 14 - continuation of the medical experiments.
June 17 - rest day.
June 18 - exploring and mapping the nearby stars using the telescope.
June 19 - optical observations of the atmosphere. Today Dobrovolsky turned 38 years old and at the beginning of the day congratulations were sent to him.
Third week, from June 22 to 28
June 20 - rest day.
June 22 - The observatory in Bochum (West Germany) announced that it had received long radio signals reserved for manned Russian spacecraft.
June 23 - The astronauts established a garden in the box located in the gymnasium. In this garden they grew Chinese cabbage, flax and hay. Dobrobolsky reported that the seeds had germinated. The growth of the vegetable was filmed for 10 minutes.
June 25 - Space, radiation and micro meteoroid measurements were completed.
June 26 - The astronauts reported that they estimated they each gained between half a kilo and a kilo.
June 27 - this day is the end date of the flight. The astronauts' success in overcoming weightlessness problems resulted in the flight being extended by two days. A few hours before landing, the astronauts asked to continue their flight for six more days, but their request was rejected.
June 29-30, landing day
Shortly before landing, Dobrobolsky's heart rate was 62 and blood pressure 115/70, Volkov's 64, 115/68 and Patasiev's 72, 115/75. After spending 24 days, 17 hours and 40 minutes in space where they circled the Earth 358 times, the Soyuz 11 pilots were ordered to return. Dobrobolsky, Volkov and Patasiev transferred the scientific data they had collected and the flight logs to their spacecraft, checked the spacecraft's systems and disconnected it from Soliot. For a while they flew near the space laboratory and circled the earth three times. After that they started their way to Israel. As usual, upon entering the atmosphere, contact with the spacecraft was lost and a few minutes later it was restored. The landing was at night. Like its predecessors, Soyuz 11 landed automatically. The landing was carried out punctually in Kazakhstan. The rescue team that came to help the astronauts found them lifeless on their sofas. The three astronauts looked sleepy and their expressions were calm. No signs of death or injuries were found on their bodies. The spacecraft's systems and its protective sheath were also not damaged.
The Yudika Kodila brothers who specialized in listening to space broadcasts picked up the last words of the astronauts in their facilities near Turin (Italy): "Why isn't it working?". Later they said: "It seems that the internal pressure is not normal". From tests done after death it became clear that the astronauts died due to bubbles in their blood. These bubbles were created following a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure in the spaceship due to a malfunction in the opening of the takeoff and landing compartment. The malfunction happened after the orbital cell disconnected from the spacecraft, 20 minutes before landing.
The entrance opening between the two cells is opened after disconnecting the orbital cell. The disconnection was done by detonating 12 bolts filled with explosives. The force of the explosion caused the hatch to open. The air escape changed the state of the spacecraft. The navigation engines were activated automatically and returned her to the correct course. The speed with which the malfunctions occurred probably confused the team and did not allow a quick diagnosis of the events and their causes. The astronauts were not wearing the pressure suits and the attempts to close the hatch were too late. The spacecraft deflated within 45 seconds. The researchers were amazed that the fault was not detected. When the hatch is opened, a warning light in the control center lights up. This light did not light up and therefore it was hypothesized that the hatch was half open.
Meteorological results of the flight
The long flight of Soyuz 11 provided important and new information about the formation of cyclones, improved the knowledge of meteorological forecasting and the fight against forest fires.
