The Soyuz TMA manned
transport spacecraft is a modification of Soyuz TM spacecraft
distinguished for a high reliability and safety of flight for the crew
which is proven by all the launches of the spacecraft implemented in the
period of years 1986 -2002 for the purposes of servicing orbital
stations. The basic modifications of the Soyuz TM spacecraft are
connected with implementation of requirements for enlargement of crew
anthropometric parameter range up to the values acceptable for the
American astronaut contingent, and with increase of crew protection level
from shock loads by decreasing landing speeds and improving
shock-absorption of its chairs. To denote the modification of this
spacecraft in design and general technical documentation, the name "Soyuz
TMA" (anthropometric) was adopted.
For implementation of the above requirements
on the baseline Soyuz TM spacecraft the following basic modifications in
layout, design and onboard systems of the descent module (DM) were made
without increase of its dimensions:
- Three newly developed long Kazbek-UM
amortization chairs with new four-mode dampers that provide chair
adjustment, depending on the astronaut mass.
- A re-arrangement of equipment was made in
the areas above and below DM chairs which allows one to accommodate
longer chairs and astronauts with increased anthropometry and to enlarge
the passage area through the access hatch. In particular, a new control
panel decreased in height, a new cooling-drying assembly, data storage
system and other new or modified systems are installed.
- On the DM primary structure in the area of
right and left chair footrests the cavities were stamped about 30mm deep
that allowed big cosmonauts and their long chairs to be accommodated.
Correspondingly, the primary structure and the routing of pipes and
cables were changed.
- A minimum of modification was made to
elements of DM primary structure, instrument frame and brackets. The
crew cabin was "cleared" as far as possible from projecting elements -
one moved them to more convenient places, remade a valves unit of the
spacesuit oxygen supply system.
- Modifications of a landing equipment set
were made.
- two (of 6 single-mode) soft landing
engines (SLE) were replaced with two new three-mode engines
(SLE-M);
- for reduction of measurement errors the
Kaktus-1V gamma-altimeter was replaced with a new Kaktus-2V
instrument.
In addition to the above changes, separate
systems and assemblies were modified on the Soyuz TMA spacecraft. The
modifications are mainly connected with transfer to new components and
introduction of design improvements. |
Anthropometric parameters of
Soyuz TM and Soyuz TMA spacecraft
Parameters |
Soyuz TM |
Soyuz TMA |
1. Cosmonaut (astronaut) height,
cm
- maximum, in the standing
position
- minimum, in the standing
position
- maximum, in the sitting
position
|
182 164 94 |
190 150 99 |
2. Cosmonaut (astronaut) chest
circumference, cm
|
112 96 |
not limited not
limited |
3. Cosmonaut (astronaut) mass,
kg
|
85 56 |
95 50 |
4.
Maximum foot length, cm |
- |
29,5 | |
Soyuz TMA descent module
layout with indication of modified elements
|