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Short Description
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TKS VA Test
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Configuration of the 82LB72 LVI dual-VA capsule test configuration. Externally the test configuration was identical with an all-up TKS ferry. The second VA, housed within the fairing, had no launch escape system and could not be rescued in the case of a launch vehicle failure.
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tksdubl1.jpg
350 x 210
11.7 kb
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TKS VA Test
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TKS VA capsule
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The landing capsule of the three crew military TKS transport/resupply spacecraft for the Almaz space station. Called ‘our Apollo’ by cosmonaut Leonov. After separation of the capsule from the Almaz the retrorocket assembly at top deorbited the capsule. TKS capsules (VA is the Russian acronym) flew 13 times between 1976 and 1983, ten times in capsule tests, three times as part of complete TKS spacecraft which docked with Salyut space stations. They were never flown manned.
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tksvamai.jpg
394 x 579
41.4 kb
Credit:
© Mark Wade
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TKS VA capsule
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TKS capsule hatch
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The crew of the TKS went from the descent capsule to the main spacecraft cabin through this hatch in the heat shield of the capsule. The central crew couch folded up to give access to the hatch. A similar arrangement was to be used in Gemini B for the USAF MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory).
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merkhatb.jpg
568 x 397
82.3 kb
Credit:
© Mark Wade
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TKS capsule hatch
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TKS capsule interior
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Left control panel of the descent capsule of the TKS spacecraft. The TKS crew instruments were assembled from the same building blocks as those used in the Soyuz series of spacecraft. The standard clock, used since Vostok, is in the top middle of the panel. The large central panel was used to call up sequences of automated spacecraft procedures.
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merkintl.jpg
574 x 395
67.4 kb
Credit:
© Mark Wade
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TKS capsule interior
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TKS capsule interior
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At the junction of the left and right instrument panels of the TKS was a Vzor optical device, as used in Vostok and Soyuz. The Vzor allowed the crew to line up the spacecraft for retrofire and return to earth even if all other spacecraft systems failed.
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merkintb.jpg
571 x 399
50.4 kb
Credit:
© Mark Wade
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TKS capsule interior
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TKS capsule
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TKS capsule at Khrunichev factory.
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merkurkh.jpg
220 x 330
18.5 kb
Credit:
Khrunichev
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TKS capsule
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