Soyuz-TMA modernization

[syndroma]

RKK Energia announces plans to upgrade Soyuz-TMA and Progress-M electrical systems and software. New computer system is designed and being tested. New cable system will connect digital devices to common bus of MIL-1553 standard, with connection to ISS network in station mode.<br /><br />New Soyuz-TMAs will get 700 serial numbers, Progress-Ms - 400. First flights are planned on late 2007. See attached (green circle = vehicle shipment, triangle = launch, blue = NASA's vehicle). As you can see, since 2007 there will be at least one backup Soyuz waiting on the cosmodrome.

 

[lbiderman]

The Russians are upgrading the Soyuz to learn more of the technology they need for the Kliper. Also, they are planning to use the Digital Soyuz (nice name! lol) for their circumlunar missions, if they make it. <br />Remember looking at the calendar, that by 2009 there must be 2 ships docked at the Station (six crewmen), so there will always be a ship in construction. I don't know if any will be available as a "backup" in Star City.

 

[egom]

"The Russians are upgrading the Soyuz to learn more of the technology they need for the Kliper."<br /><br />They upgrade to offer better services too. Don't be so sure that they did not develop this for Kilpper first... Stop thinking about Energia as a counterpart of NASA. They are more an equivalent of Sea Launch. They need to make money from anything they can and believe me - this is the best motivation factor ever. If you don't eat when you don't innovate fast enough then you start having all kind of ideas that need urgent testing <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />).<br /><br />EgoM

 

[henryhallam]

I like MIL-STD-1553, the data format is clearly defined without being too restrictive and nice and easy to implement. Several nice features like auto-clocking and balanced signalling can save a lot of hassle at the expense of slowish data rates. I'm using a slightly simplified version of it on two projects, a remote-controlled iceberg submarine and an autonomous long-duration high altitude balloon. I guess it's cool to know they'd both work if plugged into the ISS <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />