3
$\begingroup$

Soyuz MS-22, attached to the ISS, has developed a leak in an external coolant loop in the Instrumentation/Propulsion Module. This spacecraft is needed to return the three cosmonauts who are currently onboard the ISS, either at the end of their mission or as a lifeboat in an emergency.

The Instrumentation/Propulsion Module and Orbital Module are separated from the Descent Module during re-entry. I think I've read somewhere that return from the ISS takes three to four hours. For how long is the Instrumentation/Propulsion module needed during the return flight?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6
$\begingroup$

The modules separate at landing minus 26 minutes, about three hours after undocking.

enter image description here

There is a complete timeline here: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/soyuz/landing_timeline.html

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ +1 From that link, they wait 2 hours 29 minutes until Soyuz is twelve miles from the ISS before the deorbit burn. I wonder if they could reduce that in an emergency? I usually deorbit my Kerbals at a few feet from their space station :) $\endgroup$
    – Dave Gremlin
    Commented Dec 16, 2022 at 17:50
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @DaveGremlin I don't know the constraints but maybe a bigger sep burn (the one at undock + 6 minutes) followed by a sooner deorbit burn might work. But strictly a guess. $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Commented Dec 16, 2022 at 18:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.